One of the sad legacies of Ronald Reagan that Obama should reset with a new, smarter approach are so-called “tough on crime” policies that brought us mandatory sentencing, three-strikes, and a complete abandonment of rehabilitation. Now, America leads the world as the number one incarcerator of human beings. Most of those incarcerated are black and Latino men, and most of the crimes are for non-violent offenses such as drug possession, petty theft and burglaries associated with substance abuse and addiction.
Despite these lengthier sentences, most of these offenders are eventually released, and they are released without any effort to address the root causes that motivated them to commit the crimes for which they were incarcerated. After release, these ex-offenders become victims of employment discrimination and are unable to find work (70-90%) because of prejudice against them. Only five states currently have laws on the books that prohibit employment discrimination against ex-offenders- Hawaii, Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. As a consequence, over 70% recommit crimes within three years of being released from prison. In stark contrast to this result, in most European countries, over 70% of ex-offenders “never” commit another crime in their lifetime.
This must change!
If America really is concerned about “victims’ rights”, how can we encourage a result where ex-offenders are compelled to commit crimes to feed, clothe, and house themselves? For every new crime committed, there is a new victim, and there doesn’t appear to be much thought at all about lessoning the prospect of these new victims of crime.
Vengeance for vengeance sake, has no place in an advanced democratic country. Such vengeance merely creates a cycle of more, and more crime in which no one benefits. It costs us $37,000 a year to incarcerate each inmate, and most of this money is at the expense of other priorities like K-12 education. At 2.3 million inmates currently incarcerated in the US, that is $85 billion dollars “a year” for incarceration.
All major religions seem to understand the lunacy of this through spiritual principles of forgiveness and human redemption. Jesus was fond of helping outcasts such as lepers, prostitutes, and robbers on the cross. This social gospel of Jesus seems to have been lost in much of modern day Christianity that has been redefined by “judgment” as though we have evolved and become someone elses God.
Obama must reset this “tough on crime” legacy of Reagan with a new “smart on crime” policy. This smart on crime approach must not abandon punishment - as there should be some punishment for lawbreaking - but this punishment MUST be limited to the term of the sentence, and not be “punishment for life” as some sort of perpetual vengeance against those who commit crimes. A smarter approach must include state-of-the-art rehabilitation efforts while one is still in prison. This rehabilitation must continue upon release with supportive services for substance abuse and anger management.
It is also simply smarter to involve employers in rehabilitation efforts by providing a mix of carrots and sticks to hire ex-offenders. The carrots could be tax incentives for hiring “and” retaining ex-offenders. The sticks could be laws similar to the ones in the five states that currently prohibit employment discrimination against ex-offenders. These anti-discrimination efforts force employers to relate hiring decisions to the actual work performed, so if the crime is not rationally related to such work, discrimination is forbidden. Additional measures such as prohibiting criminal history questions on employment applications until a later stage in the hiring process where an applicant is deemed “otherwise qualified” would discourage screening out ex-offenders.
Without this smarter approach, we are simply encouraging more crime, more victims, and more extraordinary fiscal irresponsibility in paying for the incarceration of those who could be tax-paying productive members of American society. As we attempt to pay for healthcare, education and other priorities, the time is now for “smart on crime” policies.
During the campaign President Obama described concessions to the drug industry in Medicare Part D, decrying the lack of negotiating power for seniors and Medicare. He said this kind of business as usual would end in his administration.
He's accepted a "deal" to lower costs by giving up rights to buy from foreign distributors. He did some selling out to pharmaceutical companies in much the same way he decried duringthe campaign.
More of the same. We deserve better. President Obama please walk the walk, stop the BS. We see through it and it causes your strongest supporters to stop supporting you. Govern and lead with transparency that you promised. Politics as usual won't allow this country to thrive and may imperil our survival as a nation.
I've been away from Obama campaign activity since the inauguration.
There has been quite a bit of work to do trying to keep Obama accountable, and while he has been talking a good talk about Rule of Law, his actions have been antithetical to his talk. Continuing to push for accountability, ending "prolonged detention" at Bagram and Guantanamo, rolling back FISA relaxations, transparency in actions by the Treasury and Fed... quite a lot that Obama is doing that is a continuation of toxic policy from the Bush administration.
There's work Obama is doing that is worthwhile as well. A public health care plan that covers everyone is very worthwhile. It is an area of policy I will promote, I'll work with campaign organizers to see that it passes.
It's a personal issue for me as well.
I'm a 48 year old male. I'm substantially overweight, I have borderline hypertension, osteoarthritis, family history of heart disease and colon cancer, some alergies. I exercise regularly (1 hour 2x per week, active at other times). My basic health is OK - blood chemistry shows low cholesterol, medication has maintained my blood pressure in the normal range.
My COBRA eligibility ran out Dec 7 2008. Since I didn't have a claim between Dec 1 and Dec 7 I made a mistake and did not pay the $90 premium for that final week of coverage. This made me ineligible for guaranteed (HIPAA) issue coverage through a private insurer. I'm without coverage.
Had I been eligible I'd be paying $750 per month, COBRA had been costing $500 per month. During my COBRA period I had about $1200 worth of claims - ongoing prescription cost of about $10 per month and 4 doctor's visits with lab and X-rays.
Since I've been without coverage I've had to renew my prescription for blood pressure medication - I did this through Planned Parenthood, locally they provide basic health care in addition to reproductive and STD care. I had a cursory physical - weight, blood pressure, no ENT or neurologic tests, blood chemistry (lipids, liver and STD) tests for $5.00 (including lab work) (plus a $15.00 donation because the availability of this service deserves support).
Sometime in 2013-2015 I'd like to have new treatments for osteoartritis - I anticipate that stem cell treatments will be able to replace deteriorated cartilege, and that such treatment will prove better than the hip replacement the diagnosing physician suggested I'd need in 2016. I should get a second colonoscopy in 2011. Ongoing annual physical exams. So I expect healthcare outlays to be about $120/year baseline, $4,000 for colonoscopy, probably $15,000 or more for osteoartritis treatment.
At present I am low income. I own some assets, primarily two houses with mortgages. I'm looking for work. The department of labor would classify me as a discouraged worker - my last work ended in October and I was not paid for that work. I'm confident I will be working again. In the meantime I'd like to have health care coverage again. I expect I'll be saving for osteoartritis treatment, will be covered for the colonoscopy.
Insuring me fully means $20k in benefit payments over 7 years or roughly $3k per year (half what I was paying in COBRA premiums).
VOTE NO No No on all propositons may 19th.
Please !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://ca.lwv.org/action/prop0905/flyer.pdf
Don't let the state raid the budgets/ cut services for other use!!!
ALREADY many OBAMA FEDERAL STIMULUS funds for adultS disabled are being diverted to other programs - huge cuts including to psychologists are planned !
PLEASE VOTE NO ON 1E BECAUSE THAT BILL IS THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY !
DON'T ALLOW MH SPECIFIC $ TO "DISAPPEAR" IN THE CA GENERAL FUND.!!!!!!!!!!
WARning: CA CUTTING CARE TO DISABLED ADULTS on ssi/ssp THROUGHOUT all PROGRAMS increasing disability and inability among Adults with mh and multiple disability!
Act Now To Defeat Proposition 1E
California's Special Election is less than two months away. We must act quickly and take the necessary steps to defeat Proposition 1E.
From NAMI California by Grace McAndrews, Executive Director, March 26, 2009
It's up to us to act now to defeat this harmful act.
HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO:
FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN
Attached for your convenience is a Fact Sheet & Contribution Form and Endorsement Forms for Individuals and Organizations. Please be as generous as you can. We ask that you share this information with all of your contacts, including members of your affiliate, neighbors, co-workers and friends listed in your address book. Post information on your web site and in your newsletter. Write letters to your local newspaper. Hold parties to support the campaign. Do whatever else is necessary to get the word out.
GET OUT THE VOTE
Voters who are registered to vote must vote at their polling place or vote-by-mail. This is critical. People who are not registered to vote must register by the deadline and vote either at their polling place or use the vote-by-mail ballot. This is critical as well. Historically, voting is light in special elections. We believe there is a good chance that t hose who opt for the vote-by-mail ballot may very well dictate the results of the May 19th election.
Those who wish to vote-by-mail can use the application printed on their Sample Ballot which will be sent prior to the elections, or one can apply in writing to their county elections official. If choosing the latter, you will need to submit a completed application or letter to your county elections official between 29 days and 7 days before the election. You can find the telephone number and address of your county elections official by looking in the front of your telephone directory in the White Pages Government Listing section under County Offices. Look for “Elections”, Registrar of Voters”, “County Clerks”, or “Voting.” For complete “how to” information of Registering to Vote and vote-by-mail, visit the following web site: www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections Go to Voter Reigstration, click on Vote by Mail.
Critical Downloads:
Click Here to download the Fact Sheet and Contribution Form
Click Here to download the Endorsement Forms for Individuals and Organizations
NOTE: 501©3 affiliates can participate in this process as well as donate money to the campaign. Your affiliate's non-profit status will not be affected.
Thanks for helping to defeat Proposition 1E!!
Source: NAMI California
Link: http://namialifornia.org
Dear darlene,
I have very sad news to report. Last evening we lost a great leader and Orange County legend, Richard J. O'Neill. Richard was larger than life and the Democratic Party of Orange County owes its existence and success to this great man.
For those who did not know Richard, let me tell you a little about him.
Richard graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he met and married Donna Newman, with whom he later established the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy. After Donna died in 2002 the Conservancy was re-named in her honor.
The presidential campaign of Harry Truman was Richard's first foray into politics. He continued to work in Democratic politics, becoming a member of the Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Orange County in 1964 and serving three terms as our Chair. In 1974 he was elected Southern Chair of the California Democratic Party and became State Party Chair in 1979. For his many contributions the Democratic Party of Orange County created the Richard J. O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 and made him our first honoree.
In spite of his success and influence in Democratic politics, Richard considered himself primarily a restaurant owner. His flagship restaurant, El Adobe de Capistrano, was frequented by President Richard Nixon. The two Richards, Nixon and O'Neill, were quite the political odd couple when they met at El Adobe.
Richard was always there for his friends. To the end his mind was as sharp as ever. His body just failed him.
We will all miss him, his advice, and his friendship, but most of all his presence.
Services are tentatively scheduled for Monday, April 13. We will send details in a later email.
In sadness,
Updated: Database of California lay offs
SAN FRANCISCO — California officials will investigate accusations that the Mormon Church neglected to report a battery of nonmonetary contributions — including phone banks, a Web site and commercials — on behalf of a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/us/politics/26marriage.html?_r=1&nl=pol&emc=pola1&oref=slogin
Here’s a great idea to spread the holiday spirit! When doing your Holiday/Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to the following address.
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001
If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful, special people who have sacrificed so much would get.
JOIN THE IMPACT RALLY THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 IN FRONT OF THE COUNTY BUILDINGS, 701 OCEAN STREET, SANTA CRUZ!
The struggle for equal rights continues in earnest on Saturday, November 15, 2008, with anti-Proposition 8 and pro-Marriage Equality rallies slated for every state across the country including California. According to Join the Impact, at least 34 citiies in California will hold rallies at 10:30 a.m. (PST) to conincide with rallies across the country.
Cities in California holding anti-Prop 8 rallies including Bakersfield, Chico, Colton, Costa Mesa, Delano, Escondido, Eureka, Fairfield, Fresno, Irvine, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Moreno Valley, Napa, Oakland, Palm Springs, Pasadena, Pomona, Redlands, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, San Rafael, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Stockton, Ventura, and Walnut Creek.
Check your local listing:
http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/?t=anon
Please remember to help support Jim Martin in Georgia for this very important Senate seat. Not only is Jim Martin the best man for the job, his election to the Senate will help the President-elect, Barack Obama, to enact the positive, pragmatic change that America needs at this crucial time. Please help me in contributing to Jim Martin's campaign by spreading the word and by making whatever modest donation you can to his fundraising effort.
http://www.martinforsenate.com/home.html
Thank you,
Julia of Irish Musicians for Obama
Dear Obama supporters and fellow Democrats:
While we bask in the glow from this beautiful win for President-elect Obama and for our political party as a whole, I wanted to remind you to keep an eye on three Senate races that are in need of our collective positive energy, if not our monetary contributions. The following three Democratic hopefuls could use a quick note of encouragement on their blogsites or a small contribution of money to boost enthusiasm. As we all know, a little bit of collective energy goes a long way in 2008!!
Thanks for your continued support!
-Mark Begich, running against convicted felon Ted Stevens in Alaska:
"This race is far from over!"
http://www.begich.com/home
-Al Franken, running in a tight race in Minnesota that is "too close to call:"
http://www.alfranken.com/
-Jim Martin, "headed to a runoff" against good ol' boy Saxby Chambliss in Georgia:
http://www.martinforsenate.com/
Much love and thanks to all who've participated as brothers and sisters united in this beautiful event!
http://blip.tv/file/1338283
Here's a way for the candidates to win the votes of the 25 million households that grow some of their own food.
Senators McCain and Obama, you've spent much of the past two weeks trying to win Joe the Plumber's support when you could have won many more votes by addressing me: Roger the Gardener. There are 90 million U.S. households that have a yard and garden and over 25 million households that grow some of their own food. As a representative member of this large demographic, I'd like to offer you some advice on how you can harvest our support by the bushel.
Start by announcing that, if elected, you will make the White House a model of sustainability. Nine out of ten households believe that it is important to maintain their yards in a way that benefits the environment, according to a recent survey by the National Gardening Association. If we, the people, believe that this is right for our houses, shouldn't it be the standard set for "America's House?"
I had not been able to be as involved in the last few months as I once was with the early campaign. Tonight I participated in a Campaign Conference call to get updated on the plan for the Neighbor to Neighbor calling effort that is needed for the last two weeks of this incredible journey.
It was good to hear from Brent Messinger, who a year ago had been the Field Organizer for our CD. We were all pretty new to "what the Plan" required of us a year ago. . .and now that we are in the last two weeks. . .(WOW!!!) . . .we still need "all hand on deck" for making as many calls as we can.
We are being asked to call New Mexico. . .and we can help to make a real difference there!!! I have volunteered to help "Coach" others who might want to join in the efforts. . .I will be forming a team to compete in the MYBO World Series Challenge. . .email me or check the MYBO site. . www.barackobama.com/worldseries. . . .
Join the fun. . .make a difference. . .an hour a day on the phones will help. . .
Thanks to all of you who joined the campaign since I needed to focus on my personal needs. . .you are making a difference. . .and can still. . .
Join many volunteers throughout the nation. . .and right here in the beautiful San Lorenzo Valley to help Elect Barack Obama our next President!!! YES WE CAN!!!
Sincerely,
Shirley Fleischman,
Hope Monger and Change Agent
Boulder Creek
831-246-4836-C
831-703-4006-H
