Visited the Angola Rodeo and Craft fair and was amazed what I saw. Can good come from bad?

Went to the Angola Rodeo and Craft fair today, had never been before and didn’t know what to expect.

I was absolutely floored by the amount and quality of craftsmanship on display there. Gorgeous wooden furniture. Chairs, tables, chests, whole bedroom sets. All made from a plethora of different woods, all by hand. bowls, puzzle boxes, decorative items. Leather work, art, food.


Intricately carved models. Scale ships, cycles, heavy equipment.
I bought an incredible wooden ship and an articulated wooden trackhoe, both at insanely good deals. Never even made it to the rodeo I was so engrossed by the wares on display, most made from scrap and salvage.

Carved and forged by the hands of men condemned, guilty or innocent. With nothing but time I suppose you learn a hobby, an outlet for your energy, or you go insane. And it made me think...odds are many there were restless, listless men without structure or guidance, swept up in moments of foolishness, desperation or passion...and when the high wore off and adrenaline faded they had crossed a line they’d pay for the rest of their lives.

It made me think about the system...if we are to put men away to rehabilitate them, give them structure and skills and trades, turn them into productive members of society...what to do when they have paid their debt to society and are truly changed men?

I saw skills there that are hard to find in the free world. Men much more valuable than some of those walking free today. I understand the necessity of punishment, and still think kiddie diddlers, violent rapists and those that kill the most innocent and vulnerable among us should swing...but I think I was softened a bit by my experience.

Perhaps even broken men can be mended. And what those in society who are idle simply need purpose and guidance, structure in a world gone mad. If we could purge the cancerous elements of society and replace destruction and degeneracy with building and creation, we might be able to salvage the good from the midden heap of rottenness.

Fruits may grow even from the offal if good seeds are planted and tended.


TL;DR version
If you get a chance go to Angola and check out the crafts they have. You won’t regret it.


Will post pics of some of the stuff I got when I can figure out how to upload them from phone