Date: 04/11/2020 12:55 PM CDT
Subject: A long year ahead

As a nation we are showing our resolve and commitment to the greater good. Even in this prison environment, most people I am around do understand and agree that we need to work together, sacrificing for the purpose of mercy and life.

Now that we see the light at the end of the tunnel I encourage everyone to be in prayer for the leaders of our nation. Especially our President, our health care professionals, business leaders. The decisions and actions of the next year will test us at every level.

The CV-19 is a warning, a wake up call that will make us better. The reality though is this will continue for another year. Our families and friends will suffer. We need to be there for one another as we deal with this. Prisons need to change and stop being generational destruction machines simply warehousing bodies and being incubators for criminal training and thinking. We need to heal people (mental health) and teach people (education and training) and provide opportunities (real jobs) to get away from the gangs, drugs and crime that are usually the "only option" perceived. Nearly every single prisoner in America (over 3 million people) are, and always have been "American Citizens". Why we treat most like we are all the worse imaginable psychotic, or as enemy combatants in war escapes me. Very few, maybe 5% are truly dangerous or so severely mentally ill that they need to remain incarcerated for life to protect society. We must put in place the mechanisms to reduce our prison infrastructures 75%!! Even if that includes the death penalty as far as I'm concerned. We must bring back a sound parole board system nationwide with strong checks and balances to ensure the safety of our citizens and the proper, healthy reintegration of our citizens.

"Lord, hear my voice!

Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

But there is forgiveness with Thee..." (v.2,4)

Psalm 130: 1-8 (NASB)