Quote:
Originally Posted by Nage Waza
Carter certainly spent time for a crime he did not commit, but let's not pretend that he was a saint. Carter committed his share of violent crimes and was jailed for those crimes he was convicted of. Like most criminals, they usually get away with lots before they are arrested.
He absolutely became something different after his false imprisonment.
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Yes, he did do time for a string of muggings. He was a certified ex-con before the murders he was falsly imprisioned for happened.
I think however, you have to take the man by his entire lifes work. The movie is not really that accurate and has been criticized as too friendly to Ruben. However, if you read his book you begin to realize that he was raised in a kill or be killed situation, in a rough area with very rough people. No excuse but what he did prior was how many people got by.
You are right as he did transform in prison. If not for that false imprisionment, I think Ruben would tell you he would be in jail anyways or dead.
The key here is he did turn his life around. He found his life's calling and put asside the hate and bitterness, didn't sink in jail, got himself free. Instead of suing everyone, he went to work helping others. He managed to get 18 people out by the time he was done.
I don't think anyone is saying he is sinless, but his life is worthy of all the praise it gets. He was as plain and honest as they come, and when you tabulate all he went through he was in many ways a saint. At least someone many people can take true insperation from.