Better late than never. If he regains a place in society, then he should be treated like a human being rather than the inhuman scum he used to be.

Grace is a beautiful thing. Many thanks to the anonymous donor. I am so moved by his change and courage. Hate is an awful burden to live w/. I hope he can give and find peace in tolerance and love for fellow human beings. I forgive him too and wish him and his family the best. Grace is a beautiful thing.

Grace ... a moment of harmony ... with and within, the greater good ....

$35,000 is a bargin. Thats the about the cost of 5 months in jail.

If your a hard worker and want to go far in the military don't get a tattoo...High level Intel doesn't accept people with anything that can be used as an indicator on them

@Mass graves, The article doesn't mention the many individuals in america that live cookie cutter lives because it isn't about Racism. It's about a man who covered himself in racist tattoos and then went through -AGONY- A pain so intense I can't even begin to imagine, just to leave it behind.

Try to get some perspective on the article. It's not an article about Racists, Skinheads, or anyone else. It's about -ONE MAN- and his family. One man that endured something -EXTREMELY- painful, all for the chance of putting a past behind him that he doesn't want to be a part of anymore.

I wish this man and his family the best of luck. After what they've been through (because the stress and fear isn't his alone), they deserve to live life peacefully. Even thinking about the pain he must have suffered brought tears to my eyes. Even more so knowing that he could have run at any time from the pain, and he stuck with it. He suffered greatly and we should be praising him for not running away.

The Cookie cutter folks don't know what real hardship is. Thus there's nothing to pay attention to. They're just like everyone else, but with a different view of the world. They haven't done anything extra-ordinary like this man has.

@mass graves - Shut your damn mouth man. This article is a beautiful story about (as Akuin put it) one man who put himself through agony. This has nothing to do with racism, white collar hate, or Jamaica...moron. Your little rant made absolutely no sense. Take the article for what it is and move on, jerk.

Bless his heart...I wish he and his family well...so glad to see these people get away from such evil.

true dat

Thank you I was confused by @ mass graves, comments, I think you hit it on the head, Peoples story's have been taken to lightly, look past the obvious and see the miraculous,

What are we willing to do to represent what we believe, at any given time....

Love hard, play hard that is how some people do it, regardless of what we believe.

But for now I believe that we have to forgive if we expect to be forgiven...no matter the circumstances.....Only Love can conquer hate.... Marvin Gaye

@ruby14 - that comment is almost as dumb as mass graves. about that when he was a skinhead. He probably had a job that some skinhead buddy owned. This is a great story of someone realizing past mistakes and doing whatever it took to turn their life around. Not a story about - stupid man gets his whole face tattooed and realizes as an adult that he can't get a job looking like this. You are a moron.

Scary thing is, if a person can make this kind of transformation once (into the skinheads) and then twice (back to sanity), where's the guarantee that this guy won't radically transform himself yet again, the next time something goes wrong in his life???

The best part of the anonymous donation is the requirement that he get an education of some sort...because that's what this story is really about: ignorance and the need to find a remedy for it.

How sad that you feel people can never really change. If I had your attitude, I would believe that you will always be an ignorant, pessimistic misanthrope who will continue to be as miserable as he sounds and make everyone else around him unhappy too. Good luck to you, tes, you'll need it.

@tes... are you not seeing the irony there in your little diatribe?

Who do you think you have more in common with? The "ugly minds", that make superficial judgements, are inflexible, paint everyone they see with a broad brush, and believe that certain types of people are "all the same" and "cant change", or the guy who acted so forgivingly?

Hint... I am absolutely sure you feel you are exactly the same as the latter, but your words really seem to align you with the former. Food for thought.

Some of the most important work in fighting against these negative influences is done by reformed folks who were part of them.

@Akuin, great post. I agree whole-heartedly.

Tes --- My guess is that the Black Guy would heartly disagree with you.

TClucas.. So Bryon was highly intelligent to get his face tatooed and not consider what will happen in the future? I don't know any skinheads but when I watch TV documenteries none of them are tatooed like this unless they are spending life in prison. He did not need to get all those tatooes in order to be a skinhead. Many of the tatooes on his face don't even look like they are associated with skinheads. I'm glad he got someone to donate money and help him fix his mistake. Its the tatooes on his face that got him this media attention.

Uh............Two things:

First, even if they had medical insurance, I've never known of a company that covers "tattoo removal".

Second, he's smoking a Marlboro? I'm sure you all know what cigarettes cost these days.

@ Mass Graves. Where does this idiot gets his info from when he says skinheadism originated in Jamaica?! Some of you fools are so prejudice about Jamaicans and Jamaica, that you try to drag the country and it's people into everything negative you can come up with. Even if it has nothing to do with Jamaica or jamaicans. Jamaica is made up of predominantly black people, with a percentage of whites evening out that numbers and scatterings of chinese, indian, syrians, muslims and jews. Last time I checked skinheadism didn't start with black people. Neither did it start on a caribbean island. It started with you whites!! And it has been quite widespread in those big contient countries dominated by whites! So why dont' you look at yourselves in mirrior. And stop blamming Jamaica for the mess that happens in your country. I really congratulate the guy with the tatoos that desided to change his life. It's good to know that there are people with some good left in them. It's a pity some people have to bring there own prejudiced behavior into this. smh

@Tes: There are these wonderful things that our Lord Jesus taught us called; love of fellow man, forgiveness when a wrong doer repents, and mercy: All of which are clearly in short supply with you.

It is amazing the stupid things we do as young people then realize later in life what a mistake it was. I have 3 tats, ALL in places not totally visible, but more importantly, NOT vulgar or offensive. Eeyore is not offensive:) Bless him for realizing and doing something about it. Took a lot of courage for him and his family and we can hope that they move forward and live a better life.

#1.25: When I wrote '...keep your heads stuck in the clouds...', I was going to add 'and/or church', but didn't want to be the one to bring in stupid religions into it. You had to do it anyways... Such denial of reality has to be rooted in one or the other religion

Oh he had a kid and decided life wasn't as easy as when the child bully got older? All I think about is all the people he victimized. I see nothing heartwarming about a bully who is too old to fight changing his ways. I am disgusted by this person. Even without the tattoos.

and he was connected with the murder of others... Lets cheer him on for getting too old to bully and have his tattoos removed. His victims weren't so luck to "move on" after the constant harassment, beatings and loss of life. Lets congratulate him.

It is impressive that most everyone is so supportive. But I only have one concern...

What happened to the consequences for his previous actions? This guy was a hater for years. Should he now be able to 'shed his skin' and not suffer the consequences of his actions? Is personsal responsibility gone from American society now? What happened to 'you have to sleep in the bed that you made'?

I would not have hired this guy. I have had bigots work for me before, and they cause a lot of internal friction. And I am very sceptical about his claims of reform. He needs to put more time into the reformed side than the bigoted side for me to be convinced that he is not just running a scam.

Turning the other cheek is ok, but that does not mean that I stay around waiting to be slapped a second time. Would your attitudes be as forgiving if he were a pediphile? Or a rapist? Many of both claim to be reformed also, but we make pediphiles register for life.

Look at these comments from bible pusher's bashing others for judging this deranged and violent man.

who cares if YOU forgive him. YOU were not one of his victims. You were not harassed beaten or have a family member who died.

You have no right to tell others who to forgive because your so called "good book" tells you to ignore his victims and come here to admonish others.

He has done NOTHING to redeem himself to his victims other than retire and have some tattoos removed.

That is not a hero by any means.

That is a coward who is too old to bully others and can't get hired because he tattooed his entire face.

Nothing More!

You can be skeptical of his reform all you want, but I'd rather take the word of the people who actually dealt with him and, in the end, helped him. I would imagine they have a much better grasp on the situation than any of the doubters here after reading one story...and it's true, no one knows for sure but other than guesswork, generalization and pessimism, none of you have anything to base your assumptions on

tes-1779376- your comments show that you are equally blinded by your own beliefs, generalizing "stupid religions" and those that follow them as blind sheep "with their heads in the clouds." If thats not expressing prejudice against a specific (and enormous) group of people, then I don't know what is. and by your own beliefs, I suppose we can never expect you to change or be tolerant. Really too bad you chose a story showing regret, love, passion, redemption, and ultimately tolerance to show that you are no better than this guy was BEFORE he became a decent person

Telle: The Jamaican connection is the music Ska. It caught on with the British kids (Punk culture) and then it kind of morphed into the skinhead movement. I think they were more anarchist than a "race" driven group, but I could be wrong about the morphing, but not the music.

At any rate, I will take this for what it is and not question his motives. I am happy that the very people he would choose to segregate from, where the ones loving enough to lend a hand. Hopefully his children and their children will remember this and strive to always keep the lines of communications open.

He needs to be commended for his actions. Always surprised me that the Neo-nazi's and kind, do not know their history, with A. Hitler. Hitler only allowed a tattoo of the blood type under the upper arm on his SS, anyone else with tattoo's were shot, along with the others in the death camps.

He shouldn't be commended for something he should have been doing all along. Yes, I'm glad he's reformed, but he doesn't deserve an award for becoming a decent person. It'd be like rewarding a criminal for staying out of trouble.

I agree with tes-1779376 - and I'm usually called the bleeding heart liberal. As the article stated, it is difficult to "reform" a skinhead mentality. I knew many in HS, I assumed it was a stupid "phase" as the state we lived in was Vermont....well, 20 years on, they may dress differently to cover those tattoos but they are still very racist. He made a bad choice, we all do...but most of us don't get anonymous donors to bail us out. This is not a news story worth putting up there - I support the SPLC too. The donor was kind - and can spend his money how he wants. Personally, I think helping families & children in shelters find homes is a better way to spend money.

Leopards rarely change their spots.

I'm not sure this guy has changed. One can remove Tatooes and still have the same feelings. What are his core feelings. How did he get there to be a White Supremacist.

It may have been for aesthetics; he shunned and detested by everyone---How does his wife, who belongs to the same Movement feel now--

Did having children change their thoughts. Many questions, many thoughts.

He was the Leader of one of the Movements---Does he believe in a God or Spiritual entity? The story has received much publicity---but when he is filled with so much hatred, it is not an instant reformation of thoughts--

There has to be much pyschological therapy---

I'm still not convinced. Time will tell---for his life, he has saved it. People judge others on the way they look.

Many have faith in this guy, especially the doctor who did the surgeries. What does he believe now?

Should I give him the "Benefit of the Doubt"?

He shouldn't be commended for something he should have been doing all along. Yes, I'm glad he's reformed, but he doesn't deserve an award for becoming a decent person. It'd be like rewarding a criminal for staying out of trouble.

Totally agree. If you are going to give him credit for reforming, you have to give him all the blame of being their in the first place...but i think the point is not to commend him but more to show the good that can still come from people despite their past. I don't think he wants or deserves praise or an award, but it is a good display of a person making a decision to change his life for the better. It's just a positive example of someone doing something good...It's sad that people can't just be happy with a positive news story, instead convincing themselves that it can't be true and people can't change...what a depressing world

Black Kettle .... how say you can't see that people can and do change. What this man went through should be proof of that. Kudos to him for ignoring people who can't appreciate the life-changing decisions some people make. He went through what most of us would consider torture to show he has changed and to make a life for his family. I wish he and his family the best. He can serve as a great example for young people who might be starting to follow his old footsteps.

Marion:

I would be very happy if he really has changed his deep core beliefs.

Time will tell. People who are so ingrained in such hatred will take that much time to repent and change..

It makes a great news story---I want to believe---but can never forget the scourge he has put on Black People, and other Minorities. It is hard to forget, much like the example of the "Holocaust", Slavery, and Ethnic Cleansing.

Extreme example.

Goin:

Don't forget, he wanted to live. People were going or tried to kill him.

He is now in hiding.

Now he can run for office as a TEA party candidate with their blessings after all they have the same beliefs.

LOL LOL LOL

Talk about crazy people. Let's dig into this.

@AndyBlue-674311 - you take this pretty personally. I wouldn't. I think that people can make a change in a life they have learned is wrong is commendable. Usually, the would just fade into obscurity. This guy talked to the police about White Suppremacist activities and put himself in danger to escape the life he was in. I would think that someone who obviously grew up in this kind of environment would have less motivation to leave it. His father was this way, a Nordic Aryan, and this guy was too because of how his father raised him. Think of all the other people who are indoctrinated into a belief from their youth. Almost anyone who is religious, political, etc was probably raised that way. Do I forgive him for hurting people? No. And it's because it's not my place to forgive him, nor is it yours to condemn him. Get over yourself.

@tes-1779376 - Yeah violent things happen every day. They are happening right now. One thing you can count on, is this guy isn't behind it now. As I posted above, it's not your place to condemn him. By doing so, you allow anyone to condemn you for anything they don't agree with. Get over yourself. Yes he had kids, and they opened his eyes to the fact that what he was doing was wrong. I refrain frmo using the word miracle, but strange things can have a powerful influence on people. Apparently, this man's child had a powerful influence on him, stronger than years of doctrine. That is pretty commendable. Do I think he is a hero? Kinda. It's not easy to walk away from that kind of life, and not because it's enjoyable, but because to they tend to kill you if you try to walk away.

To the other haters, I've coevred everything I can up here. Please just open your hearts to the idea that people can change, can become better people, and can become productive members of society. The key is to not allow biggotry to rule the day. When someone tries to reform and you shun them, you destroy their reason to reform themselves, and you become a biggot yourself.

I would be very happy if he really has changed his deep core beliefs.

Time will tell. People who are so ingrained in such hatred will take that much time to repent and change..

It makes a great news story---I want to believe---but can never forget the scourge he has put on Black People, and other Minorities. It is hard to forget, much like the example of the "Holocaust", Slavery, and Ethnic Cleansing.

Extreme example.

And all that's true, we never know, I just can't find any basis here to doubt other than the generalization that "most people can't change". I'm not saying you need to dive in head first and love the guy, just that immediately saying he's lying or that it's impossible to change is a potentially destructive way to approach things and truly sad if that's actually how you view the world.

I also hope it's true and hold some reservation in believing the story is as good as it sounds, but I'd rather approach that which I am unsure about with a positive attitude than with constant, unwavering skepticism..

Some folks here plainly need to google Evelyn Wood and take the course as they cannot read or in some cases even look at a picture.

Does he believe in a God or Spiritual entity?

Look at the picture of him and his family praying. It could be to anyone, but I suspect that it was to God.

What happened to the consequences for his previous actions? This guy was a hater for years.

The article clearly states that he spent time in prison for his crimes. Where ethical prison guards planted him in a cell with several black men "to bring him down". I'm pretty sure we still consider prison time as "consequences".

That is a coward who is too old to bully others and can't get hired because he tattooed his entire face.

This commenter has the same hate issues as the person described in the article. The difference is that the guy in the article is trying very hard to move past his hate and change his life. The person who wrote that comment has apparently embraced their own hate.

This guy is to be commended. He realized that his hate was wrong and would eventually consume him. He paid his debt for his crimes. He also realized that his tattoos stated something to the observer that he no longer believed, so he underwent considerable pain to make sure that his appearance no longer made that type of a statement. People can change. Forgiveness is divine. We should all remember that in these troubled times.

Generally speaking, I would have to say that most people with such intense hatred of Blacks, Gays, Jews or Hispanics are not going to suddenly one day wake up and not hate them anymore. The story even says that he was having trouble finding a job to support his family, and I believe that was the driving force behind his decision to remove the tattoos. I don't think hate can be as easily erased.

You can do a pretty good job at hiding your hate if you want to, but inside I'd bet he has those same feelings. Although I do have to give him credit for maturing enough to keep his feelings to himself....hopefully.

Marion:

I agree with you.

Most people can change if they have the deep desire to do so, if they have learned their lesson well.. He was on a "Hit List", also getting rid of the tattoos to save his own life. "Save his own Life".

It is the Fact, that he was a hard core Skinhead, with such deep hatred.

Where in the Article does it say how he changed. Yes, because of his family, true.

There are other elements of changing hatred so deep for others. This is Nazism, Hatred of Blacks, and Jews. Violent People.

Did any of the Nazis in Germany change their beliefs? Only the ones who were forced to work for Hitler.

Black People must be very skeptical, as well.

Generally, people do change for the better, after some powerful event.

Maybe Widner did. As I said before and before, time will tell.

well said AW

Gee what a touching story. If this guy had just gone ahead and had his entire face tattooed black, he would have saved a lot of pain, and spared some bleeding heart liberal 35 large. When I see one of these guys with a swastika tattoo, all I can think about is how tight a group I could get on it.

What amazes me is how much more you people seem to know about the family than what was written in the article.

Montanaman:

Yes, indeed. We do know more. Our City Newspapers, the Times had a full one page article on Widner, his wife, and children,, with much more explanation than this Article.

FULL PAGE---not all of just read 1 article on the same subject. There are many sources.

Good question. Hope this answers it.

Lotta blind, angry, haters here.

Kudos to the guy for pulling his head out. If he shouldn't be commended he should at least have opportunities to improve his life, which he is doing.

Let's hope the transformation is not just skin-deep. It takes more than tattoo removal to get rid of the hate these people carry. Hopefully, he and his wife follow through with their good intentions, and, more importantly, bring their kids up with a saner outlook than they had.

Maybe some day he'll start a new movement against racism..

AW from KC "And it's because it's not my place to forgive him, nor is it yours to condemn him. Get over yourself."

Is it YOUR place to condemn others for their opinions of this racist coward in hiding because he can no longer harass, bully, abuse people AND was involved with someone actually losing their life?

NO! Its is not your place. In your own words... "get over yourself"

Kudos to Mr. Widner and welcome back. I'd like to point out something obvious that some may not notice. The best and really the only way to fight racism is clearly stated in the article;

Wherever he turned, Bryon Widner was shunned — on job sites, in stores and restaurants. People saw a menacing thug, not a loving father. He felt like an utter failure.

This is how minds and opinions are changed. Instead of government regulation or new laws, plain simple shame from those that were around the man. Shame did what all of the laws and regulations couldn't do. He was a marked man, and had only himself to blame. The ironic thing is, he probably would still be a skinhead if he had not marked himself so visibly that it was impossible for him to not be recognized for what he was everywhere he went.

It would be interesting to see how he does in the future, but I could understand if he shuns the limelight from now on.

Tes, you and Ruby must be related! You are both such incredibly small minded people. It is never too late to realize that one made mistakes in their lives and to try to change. My hat is off to this very brave individual and his wife. I wish them the very best with their lives. Sadly, it is bigots like you and others will make it all the more difficult for them and their children. You and Ruby need to grow up and realize that some people can change. You need to get get real lives!

wow...no faith anymore...I don't recall reading in the article that he "suddenly woke up" one morning and didn't hate anymore.

All the haters here bitching about the other haters out there...amazing...

Maybe he woke up one day and realized that nobody cared if he hated anymore. He had marked himself so visibly that he could no longer hide. He was clearly in the minority and maybe he realized his actions had made him an outcast. If everyone else had their true political opinions and beliefs tattooed on their faces it would actually make things a lot simpler. Liars would not have the ability to hide. Perhaps we should apply this to members of Congress and candidates for the Presidency. On a much lower level, what if we put similar markings on child molesters before releasing them from prison?

If nothing else, maybe this man's story will cut down on the fascination that young ladies seem to have with tattoos.

lol somewhere in the clusterf.ck of sympathy posts for this go, someone said he had to endure AGONY to get the tattoos removed.

What about the AGONY he caused the families and objects of his hate? They lived for years in fear of this man and his cronies. He endured, what? maybe 100 hours over a period of time to get those removed? Poor him.

I am glad he changed his life around and he is not a hate monger anymore. But I don't feel a whole lot of sympathy for him. Not after he tormented others for years.

geyser, it all depends on the tattoos and their placement. I have 5, and only 2 are visible when I am clothed. Even then, they are on the insides of my ankles, so I have to be wearing pants or skirts that are above the ankle, along with shoes or sandals with no socks. I don't regret any of mine.

Younger people have little concept of the rest of their lives, and they don't think far enough ahead to see that visible tattoos will cost job opportunities regardless of your qualifications.

I don't mind discreet tattoos, but I can understand why people with large, visible tattoos have trouble getting employed. It's because such tattoos are most frequently associated with criminals.

Don't get me wrong, I'm against tattoo-based discrimination--it's just that nobody in their right mind would be a fan of violent crime.

Depends on the tatoos and where they are. This guy's were full of hate and covered his face. Most kids today get tatoos, but the smart ones put them in places that can be hidden and don't convey violence and hate.

Old Geyser - Tread carefully. Almost every US Marine I know has at least one tattoo. USMC is NOT for losers. You can not even enlist if you are not a high school grad or if you have a criminal record (that includes DUI). The USMC is our bravest and best. Every SEAL I know has a tat. Most Rangers have tats. I don't personally like them but having one (or a few) doesn't make you a loser.
A judgmental attitude on the other hand is kind of arrogant. Tattoos were not allowed under the Levitical Law (OT) but Jesus doesn't say anything about tats.

I am far from a loser nor are the members of my family losers we all have jobs ,work hard and pay our bills,you on the other hand may not have tattoos but you seem crude and bigoted.a racist in your own way.

I played in a band once with a girl singer who had two dolphins tattooed around her navel. She got pregnant and they turned into whales.

Ok, I better clarify a few points.

1. Just because many armed service personnel have tattoos doesn't mean that I can't express my opinion on tattoos. My kid is on active service in the military and has been to war zones many times so far. Perhaps "losers" was the wrong word to use. I should have said that I think that disfiguring your body by getting a tattoo is very silly in my opinion. Hitler loved giving his victims tattoos before murdering them, maybe that's why I am so opposed to them.

2. Whether you work, have jobs, pay your bills, is irrelevant to my opinion that getting something carved into your skin on a permanent basis makes you look very foolish to me.

3. People still have a few freedoms left in this country, and if you want to get a tattoo, fill your boots!

4. Don't bring jesus, allah, budda, or the cheez whiz bottle from your fridge into this discussion ... all religions are signs of serious mental illnesses, and more wars have been fought because of stupid people thinking they are better than their neighbor because of religions and those silly people who believe in that crap.

5. yes, old geysers sometimes do suck, but we have earned that right because we fought, we worked, raised our children, paid our bills and taxes, lets see how you younger folks handle the world in the next few years ...

my son in law is a marine cpl infantry,he went twice to iraq and once in afghanistan to serve. he's got a corp tattoo on his forearm. does that make him a loser? you're a moron geyser!

Thanks for your clarifying post Old G.. I don't agree with you, but I understand your feelings on this subject. I'm an old geyser myself. I got my first tattoo when I was 63. It commemorates the park, small creek, and wooden bridge under which I was baptized, and later married. It's a special place to me. My next tat came a couple years later. It's commemorative of the life cycle and features a "tree of life." Finally, my last tat I got when I was 67. It's a post-it note with my wife's cell phone number and a message that reads "If found call xxx.xxxx. $20 reward." Geezzz, the amount of yellow ink that guy had to use was really something................

I enjoy my tats and because at my age I tell my guy he can use the cheap ink. It's not like they have to last ALL that long.

The main consideration I have regarding tattoo's is they ought to represent something personal and meaningful to the individual. I don't understand all the tribal stuff that's so popular these days. But when tastefully done, they do say volumes about a person, and I like that.

I have six tattooes,and want more.Anyone who gets a tattoo because they are drunk,because their buddies talked them into it-in other words,impulsively-IS foolish.But,tattoo nay-sayers,they can have very deep,personal meaning to those who go into it after long and careful consideration.If you have never wanted one-and they aren't for everyone and don't have to be-you will never understand why someone else would.As for them being ugly,yeah,there is a lot of crap out there...but there are also some truly amazing artists who produce real works of art.Don't lump all tattoo artists out there into the same group.And please don't lump all tattoo wearers into one group,either.

Some of my very successful friends (med techs, geologists, teachers, engineers, IT directors, to name a few) will be distressed to know that, despite their full and happy careers and family lives, community service, etc. that they are losers just because they sport tattoos.

Jackie...enjoy your tattoos while your young, when your very old like the old G. that hates God and Tattoos, than your tattoos will sage and not be the same any more, you may have regrets: I am different, I am old, love God and have walked with Him the last 45 years and I don't hate tattoos, I spend 22 years in the military and have no tattoos, I guess that's why I don't hate them. some look nice, some don't but I am not a judge on these matters.....The Old Geyser that hates tattoos and God, I would be willing to bet that he's a gumppie old man that has no smile in his bones.

I'm with you, golding4. I love GOD and have no tattoos but I do enjoy looking at the body art of others. Most tats are very personal and have a story connected to them and most of the stories that I have heard are very positive. Thank you for your 22 years of service to this country.

On topic, this man and his family are to be commended. A very interesting story and I wouldn't mind viewing the documentary. Maybe it would tell us exactly what woke these people up. That's not something that happens overnight, usually and just maybe it might wake up a few others. Hate takes a lot of energy and effort. Imagine what could be accomplished by using all that energy and effort to accomplish some good in the world.

I believe our body is our temple.. What we depicted on the walls should be meaningful to ones self.. An artist draws on a canvass and its perfectly simple blank, I feel the same about the body it's our blank canvass..

I have 6 tattoos and each has their own meaning.. Two of them are for my oldest child who was born with disabilities, wrap around on my leg for my tribal affiliation, one on my lower back/buttocks area for my totem and one above my heart for how i feel about life- comedy and tragedy.. One from when i was way younger letting my cousin stab me with ink and needles, we have matching tatts because we had a common bond both our dads died at really young ages.. Every tattoo I can cover and no one knows the better and I am a counselor..

Ever heard the saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover." I think humans should be treated the same whether is a physical disability or tatts because you don't know what treasure really lies inside..

I don't mind throwing out the "nice ink" or "beautiful art" when you can tell that someone has put some real thought in telling a story with their tatt..

Old Geyser, I am also a war veteran, female, and I have a tattoo. It's on my the back of my left shoulder. The reason I got my tattoo was to symbolize something. Most people who get tattoos get them to symbolize something. Mine is a black rose with a tear drop falling from the thorn. It symbolizes a part of my life that is dead and over and the last tear I will cry about it. I got that tattoo when I finally was able to get away from my pedophile stepfather and all of the abuse, rape and attempts at murder of me during my childhood. I also plan to get a Celtic cross on my back with my sons name and the date of his birth and the date of his death on it. It symbolizes something. But I guess that makes me a double loser since I will have 2 tattoos now huh?

OG..if you oldies truly did pay your bills, why are we still paying on debt from decades ago? I don't agree with Tattoos myself but I recognize others right to have them...they just need to understand that we, on the other hand, have a right to laugh at them and speak about how stupid we think they are.

I know someone who sells cosmetics as the mall. You don't know how many times women will come in and say: "I have a wedding, job interview, reunion, ________(fill in the blank), to go to and I want something that will cover up this tattoo....then they get mad when no matter how hard she tries - the tattoo is still visible

yea....go ahead, get a tattoo....just don't b*tch later on when you regret it, morons

The body as it is born is an art like no other. It doesn't need artificial designs all over it. While it's commendable that this guy has had a turn around in attitude, all this proves is the gross levels of immaturity of people so filled with hatred that they would go to extremes to display it. Kind of like a 5 year old pulling a tantrum in the middle of the grocery store.

The trend of tattoos won't last. And then, we will have a whole lot of surgeons making big bucks from their removal by the time the twerpage turns 50.

A question for old geyser. Why do you call yourself a spurt of hot water? Are you implying you are like Old Faithful? I myself am a Geezer, an old man with what some my consider, strange interests. What people call themselves is one of my "strange interests".

IMO tattoos are a "guy" thing. This trend of females getting tats is fairly new. Believe me, just because it's cool or hip at 20, doesn't make it so at 50. Once past that "coquettish" stage, a tattooed woman looks low-rent....period....regardless of wealth or social position. And barring a tragedy in your life, it's safe to assume you'll still be around at 70.....old, gray, wrinkled and tatted up. NOT a pretty sight.

If I was a medical student, I would specialize in tattoo removal. There will be a lot of money to be made in that field in a few years.

Not A Socialist...I agree. Imagine this one...In our teens and 20's those over the top mini skirts were adorable. At age 60? Nothing is more unseemly.

efff-ewe,

Don't get our personal debts mixed up with the government debts.



To further clarify, a few points:

I do not hate god, I was raised catholic by two pretty good parents, I just don't believe that there is any "supreme being" anywhere. I have no problem with people who have faith, as long as they don't try to convert me.

As far as being called " old geyser", it is just a name I chose ... as far as being happy, I enjoy parts of everyday, especially when the sun is shining and I can go for a ride on my motorcycle ... and I do laugh everyday, especially when I look in the mirror!

As far as to the question about why we are still in debt, the answer is simple: It is hard to pay for bread that has already been eaten. I am still working and plan to "drop in harness", I enjoy working part time and see no reason to stop. I live a fairly simple life and have no need for fancy houses and gold jewelry ... and I save a bunch by NOT HAVING ANY TATTOOS! LOL.

Want to express your feelings? Wear a t-shirt...at least you can remove that when you want. I really don't care what adults do, but when I see teenagers covered with tats, I laugh because they are going to regret that pink unicorn on their neck when they turn 30...and Metallica won't 'rock hard' forever! Most used to get tattoos because they were special (military, children's names, memorial tribute, etc...), but now kid just get them because everyone else is. Power to the sheeple. If you really want to be unique, don't get one. Like it or not...some future employers ARE going to judge you. Kudos to all the doctors and lawyers out there with tramp stamps! Bet most of them still regret it. For every 1 of you that has gotten a tattoo for a 'noble' reason, there's 5 of you that got it to be cool or to try to fit in.

Old Geyser.. this is so far off topic, but I had to respond. You say you don't have a problem with believers yet you called believers mentally ill and basically war-mongers. Pardon me for saying and correcting my elders, but that's called having a problem with believers. When you need to degenerate into name calling and labeling people, that really shows your true feelings.

I dont think OG has a "problem" with religious believers at all.

I think he legitimately feels that many of mankinds wars have been fought for religion. This is not unreasonable to argue, although I would say behind *any* reason is a struggle for resources and power - religion is just a convenient means to secure that.

I also think he legitimately feels that religion is a kind of emotional crutch. Perhaps "mental illness" is a strong term, but what would you say about folks who believe in alien abduction and intervention in human affairs? You'd probably say 'they're nuts!'. Doesnt mean you have a "problem" with them. To me, religion and belief in aliens descending from the heavens to intervene in the affairs of humans, in the absence of anything anyone reasonable would call actual evidence, are strikingly similar.

Just because someone makes observations you dont like, or encroach on your comfort zone, doesnt mean that they are operating under a prejudice.

OLD GEYSER,

Don't bring jesus, allah, budda, or the cheez whiz bottle from your fridge into this discussion ... all religions are signs of serious mental illnesses,

From your insulting comment about people of faith, I would have to completely agree with ellymht. You are now speaking out of both sides of your mouth.

And stereotyping is NEVER logical.

Quantum, I have to respectfully disagree. He is not voicing a differing opinion. He is name-calling and generalizing. There is a big difference.

Real Gangsters don't have tattoos. Tattoos get you made. Can't live that Bonnie and Clyde lifestyle if you can be identified by a tattoo and be easily convicted of a crime.

I'm sorry this has nothing to do with the article, although I do think it's absolutely fantastic that someone managed to get rid of the hate in their heart, I believe that children will do that to a person. My problem is old geyser, I think you meant geezer unless you really are a spring characterized by intermittent discharge of water ejected turbulently and accompanied by a vapour phase (think Old Faithful), which kind of just proves that point that you really are kind of ignorant.

Oldgeyser, I have a pink breast cancer ribbon (in honor of my grandmother) entertwined with a purple heart (in honor of my uncle) does that make me a loser. You should keep those comments to yourself.

@Quantum Flux....if we treated Bible Thumpers like people who swear on their grand daddy's grave they had been abducted....this world would be a (in my opinion, better) much different place...I just think it's funny you group those in the same catagory.

Hunterbear is correct. A geyser is a forceful discharge of water from the earth. The word you want is geezer

@MonkeysNana09

I'm getting the sense that you've lost your grandmother and uncle.

Technically, yes, you are a 'loser.'

It's really not enjoyable to be literal, though. (My mom and sister have the pink ribbon tats also. Really not trying to be offensive, I'm just a smart-ass.)

@old geyser - I have tattoos and I really didn't take your comment as anything other than your personal preference. The "loser" comment I took as sarcasm, not that you would hate me if you met me and saw a tattoo.

For the rest of the posters who jumped down OG's throat, did it occur to you that he was looking at the picture of a man who tattooed his entire face (at least) with HATE? I believe that's what OG was responding too.

I have to agree with OG i was a sailor in the military over 20 yrs and i am also a motorcyclist but i don't have one tattoo and i don't want one either what a waste of time and money. It quick being macho when kids at spring break got them and they mean nothing.

Buy some coffee mugs with a pictures instead.

Ok.. i have to confess , speaking of wasting time and money in my younger days i visited a few , more than a few , ok a lot of strip clubs and there was this one girl who had a duck flying out of her ..uh bush that i thought was rather neat and probably made her some money over the years.

The Tattoo Industry has exploded here in Southern California 8) pretty much everyone has tattoos..

It's mainstream big time 8) sleeves are very common in Orange Country, Riverside and LA county....

I work in a office environment all the employees have tattoos....Full sleeves are tatted they just wear long sleeve shirts to cover up the art. 8) Heh who still wears short sleeve collared shirts lol something my science teacher wore in 1985.

It's a lifestyle you either like it or you do not.

As for the story (good for him). I applaud him for turning a new leaf and changing his life to better himself and others around him.

Big Al , i have a lot of friends with tattoo's they got from different ports it is not my thing but hey that is ok it does not have to be.

Frankly i am not sure what my thing is other than working any more and going to the beach and a few concerts ..oh and pissing people off on newsvine.

heh my cousin who is about to hit the 15 year mark in the Navy does not have any tats but his sister is covered... It's all personal preference and most today have sleeves of Art not lightning bolts and SS blasted on their skin.

Nazi's suck I lost a great uncle in the war and both my Grandfathers were wounded.

Agree: Tattoos mark one for life---it is really a part of destroying one's body--

Do the young people who get tattoos know what it will be like when they turn 70, 80, or 90? It may even prevent a person marrying that person--Jealousy.

'I love Samantha" or the same sex partner---Samantha has been gone for 50 years, and so are the partners!--Be careful--put it where no one can see it!--

Employers despise future employees with exposed tattoos---it's tells them all they want to know about the person and their beliefs.

On the other hand it makes dummies easier to recognize when the cops are looking for them.

I dont know the reason
I stayed here all season
Nothin to show but this brand new tattoo
But its a real beauty
A mexican cutie
How it got here I haven't a clue

- Jimmy Buffett

Is that "wastin' away again in margueritaville"????? LOL 'some people claim that there's a woman to blame, but I know, it's my own damn fault"!!! LOL

Renee Love...Wow! Super dooper come back! Love it.

Renee, of course it is.

Nibblin' on sponge cake, watchin' the sun bake

all of them tourists covered in oil.

Strummin' my six-string, on my front porch swing

Smell those shrimp they're beginnin' to boil.......

You get what you pay for. If you're going to get a tattoo, best to be over 30 and to have thought about it at least three years. By 30 you have more sense, more experience, prolly have a career at least in its nascency—and have the money to pay a good, REPUTABLE artist the $125 to $200 an hour a good artist charges. My sleeve cost over 5 grand and is a thing of beauty. I was in my mid thirties when I got it and knew I could have it without financial implications, and I have no regrets.

I like the traditional ones, like anchors on the arms of sailors, but otherwise you're right. They are ugly.

jodie, lots of people make that immediate assumption. People are always surprised when they find out about mine because they say I don't seem the 'type'. There is no 'type' for tattoos... my stepmother got one when she was in her 40's. I do have my restrictions for my own, #1 being never have a person's name tattooed unless they are blood kin.

Rene, you are so right.

Whenever someone is surprised to find out I have tattoos, or say I don't seem like the "type," I just tell them that I am exactly the same person I was before they knew I had a tattoo.

I've seen nice tattoos, and I've seen nasty ones. I personally prefer to see tattoos that are discreet and not based on street art.

All tattoos on women look ugly.

A rose centered on the upper buttocks can be quite attractive. Eve also has a small cat's paw tattoo on her upper breast that's impressive.

jodie, jose was merely saying he hadn't seen any tattoos he liked. That's not "ignorant or racist." Or is everyone required to like tattoos because you have some?

I think they make people look cheap. Does that make me ignorant and racist?

I don't have one but I think they're sexy-if it's just one or two and they're in the "right" place

I have a number of tattoos and each tells a part of my story. I am almost finished with a sleeve on my left arm that I refer to as my "been there, done that" arm. There is something that shows a little bit of places I have been and things I have seen in my travels. I have mountain scenes and I have Big Ben (the clock tower in London) and quite a bit in between. I am very selective about who I have do them and the style. I have people give me compliments on the quality of the work all the time and some have gone to the guy that does my work after seeing it. I don't do skulls at all and I don't do flames unless it is an integral part of the theme as opposed to so many that get that stuff because they think it is "badassed". Just because a person chooses to get a tattoo doesn't make them a loser or a fool. Mine make me unique and to be honest I really don't much care what most other people think.

I have a rose on my right hip/upper buttock (my first tattoo); I got it the day I found out my grandmother died...I also have a lovebird with a purple heart hanging from its beak...I got that after I found out my significant other cheated on me, hence the purple heart for making it through all the pain. I do plan on getting another one to somehow commemorate my dad and my 2 children but until I decide on the exact tattoo design I won't rush into it. I turned 50 this year...I've had my tattoos since 1994 & 1996. They are very small and even with a 2 piece bathing suit on you probably wouldn't even notice.

I do NOT like tattoos on women's arms...on their wrists or a band around their arm (like Pamela Anderson's barbed wire) are okay. I don't like them on women's chests though. I think it looks tacky.

I have respect for the guy in the article, the anonymous donor of the money and the doctor and his staff. So glad Bryon Widner got a second chance and can break that cycle of HATE! More power to you for helping to put an end to that movement!!

Remember ladies- a butterfly on the back becomes a vulture in the crack as you age.

I like tattoos but have seen some that have definately seen better days!

My ex was a sailor with 17 tats on his arms, chest and shoulders. As they aged, they faded. That's when tattoos get really ugly. The blue dyes get a horrid color and the reds are barely visible. Add in a lot of wrinkles with age and it looks like a shriveled version of Popeye.

But, for those who love them...go to it.

photobiker,

You just haven't seen the right lady with the right tattoo!

CBurroughs, I beg to differ. Almost all of the women I know have them. I have photographed many of these women, so I know exactly what they look like. A woman's body is the most beautiful thing in the world. Adding a permanent "decoration" to it is never a good thing. Kind of like buying a brand new BMW and then painting graffiti on it. I have never seen a tattoo on a woman and thought "Wow, that's cool" or "That makes her look sexy". My reaction is always "What a shame".

Tyrone, thats called a tramp stamp.... : /

ALL tattoos on woman are ugly....All tattoos are ugly? Well everyone is entitled to their opinion. Me personally see them as art, as long as they meaning to them and are done by a good artist. I have my 3 children's actual footprints and name from their birth certificate on my side. I do not regret my tattoo at all and it is in a place where no one sees it unless i choose to show it. Thats they way i like it.

As for this man removing his tattoos, I think its an amazing step for him and his family and i wish them all the best.

I do NOT like tattoos on women's arms...on their wrists or a band around their arm (like Pamela Anderson's barbed wire) are okay. I don't like them on women's chests though. I think it looks tacky.

I agree. My only visible ones (insides of ankles) are a ladybug with my grandfather's initials; he always called me ladybug.

The other is a purple pawprint; that one marks me as an animal rescuer.

Forgiveness may be earned by those who are truly willing to redeem themselves.

Spartan...In my view, it was more "growing up". Funny isn't it? We all do some pretty foolish things in our youth that we don't want our kids to emulate. That's always the defining moment of growing up.

He has your RESPECT? And Admiration? OMG?!!! Seriously. Like all losers who are EVIL he 'grew up' and regretted his decisions! So to say he has your RESPECT???? IS disgusting. I'm GLAD he changed his ways, but why would he get respect? Give your head a shake.

The guy has balls to completely turn his life around like that and vow to be a loving husband instead of a racist bastard. I feel that is where Sichuan respects him, ForeverCanada. No need for a hurtful rant against Sichuan's harmless opinion, mmkay? :)

He was serious enough about changing to literally risk his life. I respect that.

I think it impossible for some one who has never fallen into the pits of hell to know the difficulty of the journey out.

It's rare that inhuman scum would try so hard to leave their past behind. Let's respect the fact that he's chosen to change himself for the better.

I'm with ForeverCanada...how does this "ex-criminal" have your respect? Really, who knows what this ex-gangster did in his past? Does every "ex-criminal" in or out of prison who "changed their live around" also have your respect. The guy couldn't get a job to support his family so he gets his tattoos removed. Not necessarily the most respectable action.

And furthermore, there is no such thing as an "ex-criminal". This man is a criminal and should probably be in prison if he was the leader of a gang. But we are much more forgiving when it comes to lighter skin tones.

You write as though racism is a crime. If indeed it was, I would think you a criminal.

Well said. He deserves respect for turning away from his ignorance, while those who are being hateful towards him still have not. It certainly isnt just a color issue as people of all races have shown the same behaviors.

A man does his time for his crimes and there are those who can't let it go. They love to label. That's more criminal than the criminal who amends his ways and takes a better life path.

If a person chooses to change for the better, which demi-gods have the right to criticize or label?

huhu5,

Really, I mean Really, a Race Card on respect! And in this story, we did not have a choice of race... I'll give you one though, I respect Booker T. Washington over, let's say Bill Clinton... and Colin Powell over, VP Biden... Now those are two men worth commenting on in Black History! And you want to through a Race Card out in a story like this! How Damn JUVENILE!

I am 32 years old, and still don't have a tattoo. However, I have been considering one for a few years. I is something that is very personal to me. Because I am taking my time to consider it I know that if I do end up getting it, I won't regret it.

Tattooing is a beautiful art form that has been around for millennia. There is evidence showing that early cavemen may have done it by utilizing black soot on sinew sewn through the skin. I'm just glad that it's much cleaner now.

I respect this man. He had a total change of heart and realized what he had done to himself was dumb. Many of these skinhead gangs see tattooing the face as a right of passage.

Bravo to Widner for turning his life around. I admire his courage, especially given the dangers he faced (risk of complications from surgery, possibility of attack by his former friends). For those of you who say he can never change, look at the drastic measures he took to leave his past behind.

When I read this article, the song "Some People Change" by Montgomery Gentry came to mind, especially the first verse, which talks about a racist who has a change of heart. If you've never heard this song, here's the music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iSf8wxEttk&ob=av2e

CBurroughs

I think it's funny how quickly people claim that the "race card" is thrown when there are comments on race. I just have a feeling, it's not throwing the "race card", rather it is an opinion, that if this person was a member of the "Crips" or "Latin Kings" and wanted to "turn his life around" this wouldn't be headline news. And furthermore, people would not be willing to dish out their respect so quickly.

On the contrary, there probably would have been numerous post with n-words and talks about illegal aliens ruining the country.

Again, just my opinion on the topic, not throwing the race card.

mali...I can't imagine why such a handsome guy would even consider doing such an awful thing to his face.

Well said. White guilt is so large a problem now, that people seem to think that hate and racism is only commited by caucasians. That's so far from the truth. Try being white and walk through a black or hispanic neighborhood. YUP, more racism at it's best/worst. I travel through Camden, NJ a lot and every minority is eyeballing me, looking for a fight just because I'm caucasian.

It takes two to tango and hate, based on skin color and religion, comes from just about everyone, NOT just white Christians.

rbjk...when white men are beaten, sold and work for food and shelter, let me know. When their wives are raped and children are sold, then and only then can a white male who provocated that say there is no reason for minorities to hate them.

That's the real root of racism of any kind. And please don't tell me that white male superiority isn't still rampant. Ask any woman who has to work around them about their airs of superiority. Hell, ask any woman married to one.

ewent

rbjk...when white men are beaten, sold and work for food and shelter, let me know. When their wives are raped and children are sold, then and only then can a white male who provocated that say there is no reason for minorities to hate them.

you are mentally ill, my friend

and as far as white men (and women) as the victims of racism, try to figure out what happens in prison where they are outnumbered 10 to 1 by blacks and hispanics

Prisons are the number one breeding ground for white supremist gangs, although you will never see an article on MSNBC about what goes on in prisons that causes this

why are they outnumbered robbopaloobop? Because the government wants to make minorities feel better in prison?....haha maybe. White Supremacy is much, much older than the Mexican Mafia or the African American equivalent (the name escapes me right now) What was the basis for Nazi Germany? Simple preference and a damn good instigator....the basis for minorities was true hatred and oppression....if you feel im wrong...please elaborate, I would love to read it.

While most white men are in prison for murder or rape - blacks and hispanics get harsher sentences for weed.

Racism has had it's roots in every civilization likely from the very first. who started it? Who cares. The fact is that racism needs to just end. Period. People need to quit being so selfish, quit pointing fingers, and start becoming human. Period.

only privileged ppl who have never felt oppression say that AW...I'll quit being selfish when minorities are treated equally...and please elaborate on the "had it's roots in every civilization" when Columbus landed in America he was greeted by kind, generous people whom he proceeded to enslave and murder...these people still became the best Americans in the nation whose population held the highest percentage of military recruits...the US kept every treaty they made with foreign countries and broke every one they made with the Native americans...who refuse to leave this country because it's their home...where did this hate and disrespect stem from? hmmm....because they were "barbarians" "savages" and unworthy of god...I'm sure many many minorities around the world have a similiar story...so who's really the selfish one AW? Are you leading the crusade to end hatred? If so, sign me up please.

Katie, you're right when you say removing the tattoos was a huge thing. Tattoo removal is extremely painful, and you have so many nerve endings in your face and hands - aside from the painful after-effects described in the news article, I can't imagine the pain he experienced before the doctor decided he needed to be anaesthetized for the remaining procedures.

The only thing about tattoos that i find important in the story is the fact that many people do tattoo themselves with things that have a violent or hateful appearance. I see things like skulls and violent looking tattoos becoming more prevelant. People should think about when they make their body a billboard, what is the message they are sending. If you want snakes and blood and skulls to represent who you are to people who don't know you, dont be suprised if they decide they dont want to know you.

When he gets lung cancer THEN he'll realize that he's screwing things up for his family. In a flurry of responsibility he'll quit smoking, renounce it, and find some sucker who'll pay for his chemo. He'll still want to smoke, but he just can't anymore. The sucker will be us taxpayers, and this time it won't make msnbc.

The thing is he is doing something about it. Are you? If not then his slate is cleaner than yours. To see evil and do nothing is evil. To hear evil and say nothing is evil. He has overcome being born and raised into that life, now he stands or something that has taken courage and sacrifice, unlike most people who go through life just trying to be comfortable and never caring about what their place if any in others lives are.

Sorry, eric, I missed the part of the story that said he was "born and raised into that life." As for your question, I suppose you either want me to justify myself, or else feel badly about myself. I decline to do either.

But, are you saying that (knowing nothing about me and what I may or may not have done in the past) this man is better than me because he started a hate group, and then left it - and I, on the other hand, have done neither?

Debbie, are you saying that even though you are amazed at the progress that was made in the 60's, you can comment on the cleanliness of his slate. Your comment was a contradiction in itself. Your first paragraph held condemnation for what he had done no matter how much he has tried to walk away from it while your last paragraph you are unable to understand why racisim is still going on.

Let me clue you in on a little secret. No one is perfect, we all have demons in our life that we have to deal with, get over and move on. I am sure that your slate has its own dirt and grime that could do with a little washing. We all do. I agree with Eric. The gentleman took his mistake and is trying to reverse it. He has realized that he isn't perfect, but he is working to trying to fix it. This isn't a light switch that he can turn off, but a lifetime of change that he has to make. At least he is making that change.

And your concern about what Eric says: Each of our posts reflect who we are as a person in this sociaty, yours was very obvious.

At least this young man has made an effort to change. I don't know anyone except for children that not done something they regret. There is only one judge and that's GOD.

I wish the best for this young man.

Right you are there are children and adult burn victims not by choice and what article are they in.

I think your anger comes from your own guilt as you like all people have done wrong at some point in life, but you have probably not ever done anything as difficult as this man to atone for those wrongs. Some people need people like he was to make themselves feel better about themselves. After all, people think the wrongs I have done arent as bad as his. When a person changes their life as this man has, it takes that feeling of superiority away. If a man can do what he has it makes people feel guilty for not having put forth the effort to overcome their smaller issues. He was born into a very bad life, and instead of using it as an excuse to be what he had become, he chose a different path. It kind of makes it difficult for others to use their own excuses for not becoming better people.

ForeverCanada...So would you prefer he be flogged, put in stocks in the public square or stoned? What an archaic attitude.

It's my express belief having worked around young children most of my life who teaches them hate and attitudes of superiority. Look no further than Mommy and Daddy.

"Likely his crusade of hatred has killed many people"

I think someone has seen too many movies. While as a general rule of thumb "skinhead" white supremacists are an unpleasant bunch, a vast majority of them generally limit their activities to harassment, intimidation, assault and robbery. I highly doubt he has either directly or indirectly killed anyone.

Good minds think alike! (:

wow, i actually agree with you, at first i felt a little for them but the way you put it i freaking agree.

Toby, why can't you get money for med school? Have you tried for loans, scholarships, etc.? Keep trying, if you really want to go to med school you will find a way.

By the way, I'm pretty sure your money troubles are unrelated to the money being given to "these people," whomever you meant by that.

I find that phrases like "these people," "their kind," "them," etc. to describe a group of people is symptomatic of being like exactly the kind of people you are condemning.

Shut up Toby, you stupid moron.

Toby for some one that's smart like yourself, you don't really think much do you, because they are good people but people like you shot them down and i don't think a good person that's trying help people judges on ones past. Do you want want to be on the news as well is that it? or u just having a bad day? but is this news better then some 21 year-old getting ran over by a truck and when u have kids tax money goes into them as well just saying.

I for one wouldnt want a person with an attitude like yours treating me. Got enough doctors with God complexes who are bred better than everyone else. So you do what you have to in life, dont put yourself at risk by committing crimes, so what. What have you done to help your fellow man. Have you done anything as difficult as climbing out of the hell this man was born into. Some people are born into good situations, have it comfortable, and think they are born better. People like this man shake that belief, because he rose from the dirt, and proved he is better than you.

Pay your own darn way through school... why are you crying that you can't get help, when your stand is that tax payers shouldn't be paying the way of others !!! You are a complete scum bag who believes that the world revolves around you. Well guess what hot shot... you are no better than anyone else and have proven that MANY are MUCH BETTER than you.

I am sorry you are having a hard time finding the money or get help to go to med school or any school. A lot people get school loans, grants and scholarships of all kinds. I had to pay for my college and my car and my apartment. But I am not bitter or jealous or envious for people who do get help. I hope one day you understand. Find your own piece, and learn to be secure with yourself and happy for others who clean up there life to become good people. Always better yourself.

Toby, do like most people do. Get a job and save your money, then go to med. school.

toby 2012...Are you as incensed about money given to those who have already amassed fortunes? How misguided does this need to get? People who through no fault of their own need help and they are demonized by the greediest among us. People who scam, extort, filch, thieve their way to massive fortunes are respected?

In this country, real Americans help when it is needed. Only greedy SOB tightwads who bathe in their moolah find excuses to avoid paying their fair share and ripping off the rest of the country for their own benefit and no one elses's.

Toby,

The article also said that he is speaking to kids on the verge of being lost to such groups trying to keep them out of such a life style...

Toby, Are you in school currently? You already have your Bachelor's degree? You've taken all the prerequisites? You've taken the MCAT? Somehow, there's something that doesn't ring true here. By the way, there's a writing component to the MCAT and in your med school application. They grade on comprehension, grammar and spelling. You might want to brush up on that. I know-- I took it. I didn't end up going to med school but I do know from where I speak.

If you have done all these things, there are tons of grants, loans and work/study to help pay for med school. You could even apply to the military's medical school which is tuition-free if you provide 7 years of service after your internship and residency. Where there's a will, there's a way.

And I agree with Eric. No way I would want you treating me with your attitude anyway. So keep your attitude and find a trade.

What about the people who do the good things, are kind to their neighbors give to the poor and stay out of trouble?

There called conservatives and they have to work hard for living to support all the dead beat liberals .

kelseydog: I saw nothing in the story which suggests that they blame anyone except themselves. It is true they accepted help from several different people, but such people gave freely from their own money. Should they have held out for clearance from you? Today, they do receive police protection at a somewhat higher level than do you or I which, of course, costs the public purse somewhat . But, that is because they chose to take a public stance against the Skinhead Movement, rather than fading into the woodwork, thus exposing the whole family to danger. Would YOU have cajones to do that? Even if you did, would that make you braver than them?

Yes and sometimes people do wrong and get away with it. Sometimes no one ever knows the wrongs people do. Just because his wrongs were so out in the open doesnt mean he is any less than those who keep their mistakes in secret, or get lucky and dont have the consequences. Truth is he has paid the consequences, and has openly taken responsibility for his mistakes. That I rarely see people do, as lets face it, people think their stuff dont stink.

eric...Amen to that. Since the earliest days of sentencing the guilty, the reality is that a man (or woman) commits a crime against society, they owe a debt of restitution, usually prison. Once that debt of restitution is paid, their slate is wiped clean. They owe nothing.

Couldn't have said it better, Edna.

I feel sorry for those who express hatred for this man. Don't they realize it makes them no better than he was in his former life?

Could you elaborate, please?

To add my own take:

Everyone who is sorry about what they did deserves a second chance. This guy realized that he was wrong, that he was sorry about what he did, and that he wanted to make a change. All he wanted was a shot at a normal life, no matter what the cost.

People who don't have remorse for their actions don't deserve a second chance. Only those who are truly sorry can truly be forgiven.

Milhaus --- In your, oh, such wise advice, you said nothing which this couple had not already said albeit in less hateful words. How did you advance the conversation???

Glad Karma isn't real then, and that the mercy of God in Jesus forgives losers like me and people like him when we ask for it.

Here's the truth about karma: it equals ANY reaction. A thief who steals bread and gets caught - karma. A thief who steals bread and gets away - karma. Many people do not know this. They just think if you do a good thing, karma is a good reaction for doing that thing (or vice versa: doing a bad thing and getting a bad reaction).

I also have to give this guy props. but, I feel for all the people who were affected by this guy and his past actions.

I advanced the conversation by making the point that just because this guy wants to stop being a skinhead and get a real job doesn't mean he isn't racist anymore. He came right out and said he wanted to get rid of the tats because he wanted a normal life so he could take care of his kids, not because he isn't racist anymore. My point is that he probably has a long way to go before he will really be able to accept people regardless of skin color.

Matilda I don't want to be rude, but each of us needs to fully confront anything we have done wrong without relying on religion. To many people "sin" and then become absolved or born-again to make themselves feel better. To correct a wrong that person needs to live and breath doing things right and it needs to come from within.

He deserves credit, but no matter how you slice it no one goes from full blown national skin leader to Ward Beaver overnight.

For me this story is really about Joseph Roy, this man casts light into the shadows. Good job.

Nope. I give the guy full credit for turning his life around, but anyone who goes to that depth of hate in thier life is no role model. I am happy for him, and glad he is a better human for his experiance, but he should have overcome this hate before it over took him to make him a hero to me.

With that kind of attitude Mr. Obvious, you are no better than the guy in the article used to be.

Absolutely, Maclcontented. What difference does it make "when" he finally came around to do the right thing? He did it! I commend him and his wife as well. I want to see the documentary they made "Erasing Hate". I'd like to know exactly what came over them to put their lives where they should be.

Notice the picture of the family around the table. They are all praying. I guess that they found God.