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.
Operation swamp the streets to defend your healthcare.
match until single payer, universal healthcare for all is passed.!!!
Calling on All who voted for the Obama agenda in November to match a mile a day to hand over the torch of the United State to the next persons or groups from where you are, going until we reach whashington in a human chain, to carry the torch of humanity. We are the most prosperous nation in the world, yet there is no recourse for anyone who happen to be in a bind temporarily or not, when they get sick in our nation.
We are a God fearing nation, we profess to be a christian nation, yet the answer to a crying woman who is losing her husband to cancer for lack of insurance from the republicans was " because you are here talking to me, I would be magnanimous enough to make sure you are taken care of, but anyone else can't have the same chance."
He refused to answer her pleas for a universal single payer healthcare, yet he said "he the government" would make sure her husband receives treatment that insurance companies have rationed or denied him.
What our republican speaker was saying was that, he would used his "good office" to extend government money to take care of her husband, but if she got sick herself, then too bad she would have to call him again if he is still in office.
He didn't help her by passing a law that would ensure that she gets treatement as well as all americans in his husband's condition.
He went on to say that the job of helping people belongs to the church which all depend on the taxes we pay, to the government or to the church (donations). In effect, he is putting your life in the hands of those who can only extend their services (arbitrarily)to their frock or friends.
Many people sitting in that audience may have had cases that are worse than that of the weeping lady. Yet if they didn't have the luck to have the microphone, they were not heard, and would not be helped as the lady was promised.
We need to organize and march until the single payer universal healthcare is passed.
Hi viewers of AM and hosts:
I have never heard anything as stupid or ignorant as the "stay at home republican mom" altered on CNN. she said and I quote" The government has never run anything efficiently". The same dumb statement repeated over an over by the zombies on the republican side: 1-America is the greated country in the world, and the government has "run" it into becoming the best in the world.2-America has the best military in the world. And the Government as made it what it is. The privatization by bush brought us , abugraib, and all other scandals and mismanagement by private contractors.3-Most insurances are subsidized through legislation that allows them to tax you the premiums you pay every months. 4-All legislation that allow private business to operate in peace and healthy competition is managed by Government.5-Keeping peace, making roads, and other infrastructures are government programs that run well: we have the best infrastructures in the world, thanks to our government planners. 5-Embassies and foreign services that pave the way to private business in foreign land, protect our interests all over the world, negotiate our participation in the world are all government run.
I was shocked to see CNN give voice to a woman who was merely voicing her own and republicans ignorance or duplicity on the air.
All those who voted for Obama's agenda rather than his good looks, get out there and defend your votes. 53% voted for now Prez. Obama after comparing his program to all the republicans' and democrats'. After two years of campagning, we finaly settled to chose among democrats Obama, Edward, and Clinton essentially. Then we selected Obama's agenda to present to Americans. The choice was between the republican agenda of More of the Same, presented by Mcain, and the democrats agenda of Reform (Heathcare and other reforms) presented by Obama. We made that choice in nov. 2008. Those who are out there trying to undo the votes casted in nov. are plotting a coup in the open. They are the same who failled to convince us to vote for Mcain and his status quo agenda. We voted for a particular reform, that lead and presented by Obama. We should stop these people before they change our democratic process as we know it. Are we going to become the next congo or suddan? Because if elections can't settle our affairs, it simply means that the street has taken over.
Why are we still debating whether to reform or not to reform healthcare? I thought that was settled in the Nov. 2008 elections when we carefully selected the right causes, programs and agenda from more than 8 candidates in 2 years! Among the Democrats, we selected Candidate Obama's agenda to , among other things, reform health care. Then compared it to Mcain's and the majority of Americans (53%) voted for Democrats and specifically Obama's Healthcare. The president, democrats and all those who voted for this reform, or simply those who want democracy to survive, should be out there reminding everyone that the election was over in Nov. 2008. What is going on out in these townhall is a hitjack of our democratic process, a "coup" where by Republicans want to overthrow a duely elected agenda with a president, the decision Americans took to reform Healthcare in Nov. 2008, through Obama' agenda. Don't temper with our Votes!!!!!!!! We don't want a watered down version either. I know that the republicans are hoping at least, to water down the bill on healthcare reform by their protest and intimidations so much so that no one would be happy with it, and the majority being unhappy, would never vote again for Obama, or the democrats, because he hasn't, they couldn't delivered for those who voted for him (them), in a doomed effort to satisfy those who didn't want him (them) in office in the first place: The republicans.
America and the world hare keeping palestinians in the largest prison in the world.
srael: positioning in israel for elections, Every leader in israel is looking out for the next election and the person who appears to destroy their enemy more will have more votes.
ethnic cleansing and genocide: Israel want to clean Palestine of its tribes and families to annex the palestine.
caving in to settlers. Israel want to clean Palestine of its tribes and families to resettle its own people.
Positioning in America: Israel wants to be the number one subject of america policy, not just policy. They want more tax dollars,and more lobby is out asking for money than they say. Reality is that Even journalists are making the case for more money to isreal. My take is that there is more problem in the world than israel. How about the congos, suddan, zimbabwe, somalia, and every place else in the world where poverty is killing people in silence?
The world has helped israel for centuries. Yet israel remain in the middle of every turn of help, despite the fact that it is the richest nation in that hemisphere.
Obama needs to tell israel that enough is enough. Obama needs to tell israel that it is high time America had other friends in the world and help the countries in the world that need American help enjoy a peaceful life, not a life of war.
America needs to start rewarding countries that exibit peaceful process to progress, to move faster, not those countries that are constantly vie for international and american attention with killings and genocide. WE NEED TO START REWARDING THE GOOD GUYS IN THE WORLD, NOT THE BAD GUYS.
I PROPOSE THAT THE US GOVERNMENT INSTITUTE A PRICE FOR ITS FOREIGN AID: 1ST PLACE GOES TO THE COUNTRY THAT HAS MADE MORE PROGRESS AND IN PEACE. AND SO ON, DOWN TO THE 5TH PLACE. NO COUNTRY WITH HUMAN RIGHT ISSUES WILL WIN, AND NO COUNTRY THAT HAD HAD A WAR IN THE PAST 5 YEARS WILL EVER WIN. EVEN IF THEY BECAME PEACEFUL, THEY WOULD HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE IF THE PEACE HELD FOR 5 YEARS.
We elected Obama for American problems, not for israeli problems.
The people's reaction is slow but steady, like a drop in the stream, or fast like a pouring deluge. Push them hard enough, and there is no stopping the resulting flood and devastation, one election rigging at a time.
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
I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first. We just made history. And I don't want you to forget how we did it. You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change. I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign. We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next. But I want to be very clear about one thing... All of this happened because of you. Thank you, Barack
Whoever wins this election, I understand what Barack Obama meant when he said his faith in the American people had been "vindicated" by his campaign's success. I understand what Michelle Obama meant, months ago, when she said she was "proud of my country" for the first time in her adult life. Why should they be immune to the astonishment and vertigo that so many other African Americans are experiencing? Why shouldn't they have to pinch themselves to make sure they aren't dreaming, the way that I do?
In his 103 years, Ernest Smith says, he never drank, smoked or voted. Though he’s yet to sample tobacco or alcohol, on Thursday, Smith cast his first ballot —- for Democratic nominee Barack Obama.
“I voted, and I want to vote again,” said Smith, a testament to clean living. “It felt good.” [...]
Born in 1905 in Pembroke, N.C., Smith lived most of his life there and was first eligible to vote in 1928 —- then the voting age was 21.
But for African-Americans like Smith, suffrage was far from universal. Literacy tests and poll taxes were enacted through much of the Jim Crow South to suppress black turnout.
Had Smith attempted to vote in 1928 —- he says he never tried to register —- his choices would have been Herbert Hoover, campaigning as a Republican maverick, and Democrat Al Smith who, like Obama, was a historic nominee. [...]
Ernest Smith is confident that this year, he’s backing a winner.
“We’ll make it, thank the Lord,” said Smith, bolting up from his rocking chair, clapping. A snapshot of Obama sits on his dresser.
Find a polling place near you at Last Call for Change.
