"A life without parole sentence improperly denies the juvenile offender a chance to demonstrate growth and maturity," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority."
Dear friends,
The US Supreme Court is not necessarily known for its fairness. However, just recently, they’ve made a decision that is encouraging about the future of that body.
On the link below, Elmer Smith tells us about the ramifications of the Court’s special decision to not hold juveniles accountable for life, for their crimes/mistakes. Hopefully, one day, that will happen for all inmates. Redemption is possible, after all. Yet, if there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, who wins? Besides, after either 30 or 40 years in prison, it seems unlikely for a person to do anything to ever land himself/herself in jail again? Moreover, we have to start making sure that second- and third-graders have enough love in their lives from the community, so that they try harder and stay in school. It starts way back there. As well, we need community, as opposed to “government” programs that address issues while folks are incarcerated, so that they will want to contribute, as opposed to destroy their communities, when they come back. Dig?
Below, here are a few ways that we can fight against the proliferation of the Crime Industry which robs African American people of so much of Our potentially productive energy and resources. They are:
1.) Free Buses To Prisons Program
Transport children to prisons for the explicit purpose of having reading lessons with their incarcerated parents. Dr. Seuss books and other “phonics” type of reading materials are a great way to start. Many of these folks who are incarcerated have only first- and second grade reading levels. By learning their phonics better and due to the fact that they are older than their children, thus more experienced in life, invariably, these "parents" will begin to read at a higher grade level, acquiring deeper comprehension as well as greater mental stamina. This means that they will gain new ideas, by reading more informative literature, instead of only consuming thoughts from people who, like them, are locked up as well and just as clueless about how to be productive citizens.
As stated above, many of the brothers in prison either cannot read or read only at first- or second grade levels. More help in the classrooms at the first- or second grade levels (and a relationship with a loving elder) may have kept them trying in school longer. Their children deserve a better chance than they had. Also, regarding females, sisters in prisons are often there because of some knucklehead males. Therefore, young girls too will also benefit from having a wider range of caring adults in their lives, whether those elders are incarcerated or not. Note: A dear friend of mine who lives in Florida has assured me that her state gives youngsters at the lower elementary level (2nd- and 3rd grades) statewide exams that help that state government decide how much additional prison space will be needed in future years, based upon how many youngsters fail the aforementioned exams. Imagine that! Did someone say, "Crime Industry"?
2.) Letters to Prisoners Program
Get people to be pen pals with inmates in area prisons. The main problem here will be that We need to make sure that inmates are not being selfish and engaging in deceitful behavior, in order to borrow money or get “favors” done on the outside. Telephone calls should be prohibited from being a way for inmates to connect with their pen pals. Incarcerated people should learn to write, if they know how to, so that they can think about why they are in that situation in the first place. A phone call does not require such reflection; people can just talk and feel good - then hang up.
3.) Convict Redemption Program
Get those convicted of either human or property damages - of any kind, to construct ways themselves to make up for their transgressions against their fellow community members. For example, as part of the “Buses” program, inmates who are not parents can still donate time to read and learn with young people.
Inmates must redeem themselves! Merely proclaiming belief in “God” or asking to be forgiven does nothing to repair the damage done. Besides, neither apology or cla”ims of religious loyalty has meaning, if the person has not repaired the damage that he or she caused. For example, people go to AA and NA meetings and hold what amounts to religious revival forums. Yet, as far as I know, not a single member of those groups has ever gone back to a victim and said, "Here's the $100 that I stole from you." Instead, that AA (Alcohol Anonyous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) person says, "Will you forgive me for what I did?...I believe in ‘God’ now." Well, guess what? Everyone on death row, conveniently - now - believes in “God”, after the fact. Moreover, no one can forgive anyone else. Rather, people must forgive themselves, then redeem themselves, by trying to undo the wrong committed against the victim. Otherwise, there is no justice. You just have a crook who has gotten away once more.
The three programs mentioned above are only some of the ways that the community can reach out to Our fallen brothers and sisters, in hopes that they will be appreciative for the love that the community has shown them, and, thus, return to the community as productive members.
One Love!
G. Djata Bumpus
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20100519_Elmer_Smith__New_hope_for_juveniles_sentenced_to_life.html#axzz0oOFI15cq
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