Anyone sitting in the audience of Congressman Danny Davis’ (D-IL) Congressional Black Caucus forum on the reentry of formerly incarcerated people experienced a treat. Rare is the opportunity for almost 200 people to come together and discuss the issues that affect formerly incarcerated people with the type of commitment and interest that I witnessed this past Saturday. The day began with formerly incarcerated men and women discussing some of their most vulnerable moments with a crowd of people who understood the magnitude and influence of the criminal justice system. It continued with the sharing of research and best practices, and ended with a powerful panel exploring the development of fatherhood skills as a key rehabilitative strategy.

This forum acknowledged not only the importance of employment, housing, and other services as critical to the successful reintegration of “returning citizens,” it also informed the potential of the Second Chance Act. This Act, in addition to the Justice Integrity bill and a recent initiative to improve the fairness and accuracy in employment background checks (H.R. 7033), offer a glimmer of hope to those who seek another chance at life.

Everyone deserves another chance to fulfill his or her dreams and correct a wayward path. And some people need more than just one opportunity—or three strikes—for that matter. Remember the saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again?” Well, that’s a concept applicable to more than just children’s games.

Resources

All of Us or None
Center for Urban Families
The Safer Foundation
National Alliance of Faith and Justice

Copyright 2008 Monique W. Morris

For me, watching John McCain’s speech–and other aspects of the Republican National Convention–was like torture. It was an emotional and spiritual torture that reminded me of why I have been inspired to throw myself behind the candidacy of Sen. Obama. The Republican argument about what facilitates change feels empty to me as a voter, citizen, and advocate for social and political change. First, there was Gov. Palin’s mocking of community organizing. To belittle community organizing is to dismiss one of the most significant voices of change in this country, indeed, this world. It shows how little they know about what drives change. It took nerve–and she clearly has guts–to criticize the very actions that supported her ability to be a woman in political office in the first place. Perhaps someone should remind Gov. Palin that it was the community organizing of the Women’s Suffrage Movement that brought so many of the gains she enjoys today. Then again, she appears to stand against everything that is actually in her best interest. She stands against sex education. Her daughter is pregnant prematurely. She stands for guns. Our nation suffers from the effects of gun violence and victimization like no other comparable society. I mean…really…change is more that spewing the same rhetoric in a dress. It is more than being a “pit bull with lipstick” and it is more than Sen. McCain making awkward, empty promises about how he’ll regain the trust of the American people. How can you reclaim something you’ve never had?

Change is about developing processes that support a departure from the status quo. Change is about admitting if there has been an error and having the foresight and leadership skills to organize people from multiple backgrounds toward a common goal. Change is about using inclusive practices to mobilize thought and action. Like others, I have already grown tired of watching Republicans try to jump on the “change” bandwagon by using the same talking points that have alienated and undermined the progress of millions of American people. The current Republican agenda is absolutely about maintaining the imbalance of equality and justice we see today; ignoring the promise of safety for our communities and recklessly supporting foreign and domestic policies that harm our economy and well-being at home.

And really, can someone tell them how to spell Maverick?

Copyright 2008 Monique W. Morris