I remember Barack Obama’s slogan “a time for change” and of course Trump had “make America great again” but what’s changed? In my lifetime when has America been great? Let alone be great AGAIN! You might have been one of the lucky ones to grow up in a “different” America than I have. The America I know claims to be the land of the free when in fact has more people incarcerated than any other country in the world, even India and China! Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that an oxymoron? Shouldn’t this be called “land of the incarcerated?” The statistics show that 80% of inmates get released and recitivate within 2 years upon release! Obviously that shows the system isn’t working right? I mean would you get an operation from a doctor that that had a failure rate of 80%?!? I’m not saying criminals should go unpunished, what I’m saying is they SHOULD be held accountable but in a way that makes them more productive. Teach inmates pro social skills, job training, help strengthening their support systems not tear them apart. Even criminals are citizens of this country too, shouldn’t society want us to be rehabilitated? Like the saying goes, a chain is ONLY as strong as its weakest link, so everyone should be for prison reform! I have been in and out of the system, juvenile, state and federal and yet to see the system REHABILITATE one person! The CLASSES we get are a joke at best, the job training is laughable. The only thing The D.R.C cares about is inmates getting G.E.D.s, that wouldn’t because of the large amount of money they get per inmate who gets their G.E.D., would it? However they are SOOO kind to offer all these wonderful electronic devices to pacify us, of course for a fee! I guess its like giving a child a toy to keep them busy and out of your hair for awhile while making a good profit too!
Who cares inmates live in an environment that socially retards and promotes drug abuse and gang activity? Who cares if these inmates learn anything or do better in life? You SHOULD. In fact, everyone should because even though were inmates were STILL husbands, fathers, sons and brothers to people out in the free world and someone DOES loves us. Even for the people who hate inmates, 80% of inmates are getting released at some point and it’s your communities that we are returning to. Wouldn’t you rather guys come home and contribute to society instead of take away? Wouldn’t you rather your tax money be used on something likes roads and schools instead of mass incarceration which has been PROVEN to not work? When did the whole world get so callused, when did we loose touch with our humanity? What separates humans from animals if we’ve lost our compassion? It’s these questions that make me pray a little harder and make me TRY a little harder. If you think no cares any more then I’ll tell you your wrong. Because I do and I haven’t given up on humanity… Yet! Maybe Obama’s “time for change” will come and I will finally see that “great America” that Trump speaks. Until then I’ll keep praying!!!
Thank you for reading, I hope I was able to offer insight as well as open some eyes to a grim reality that many of us share. Please stay positive and never give up on on one another!
contact info: Timothy Van Gundyll #721-720 @Jpay.com or
Timothy Van Gundyll #721-720
P.O. Box 56
Lebanon, Ohio 45036
I’m thankful for your perspective the only thing I will remind you of is that they still chop off peoples hands on China for shoplifting and many are just killers for other crimes hence less people in jail. Just saying. My daughter went to China and couldn’t believe all the people with only one hand. Not suggesting it’s better but there are worse things than jail maybe? Do you have any suggestions on how to fix the issue in America? How can we help kids stay out of jail? But also learn o be productive member of society.
Wow! Many of your points are ones that I often quote to my friends and colleagues. Prisons are unless because they simply do not rehabilitate. But hey! It’s best said by those who experience it. Your platform is powerful and one day you will be able to make a difference. I will be here with you!