If I Were President Presents. . . . Prison Reform

If we are a country who can choose who lives and who dies, where does that end? There are many reasons to be against the death penalty, along with it disproportionately being used against black Americans and cases where DNA was used to prove the defendant’s innocence too late.

However, the death penalty is far from being the only thing wrong with our prison systems!

1. Violence in the jails, particularly against transgender inmates

2. Lack of feminine hygiene products

3. Shackled childbirth

4. Solitary confinement

5. Mass incarceration of African Americans — they are 12% of our population, but black males make up 34% of the male prison population? How is that even possible in a fair justice system?

6. Max jail sentences for non-violent drug crimes

7. Bail charges further punishing any non-rich defendants

8. For-profit prisons

Why are companies profiting from prisoners? Why are the composition of prison populations so disproportionate from the actual complexion of America? Why can’t women get the access to pads and tampons they need during their periods — if they were bleeding from a wound, wouldn’t they get all the bandage they require? Why are non-violent drug crimes so penalized? If someone hasn’t been found guilty but is thrown in jail for years waiting trial just because they can’t pay their bail, isn’t that the opposite of innocent until proven guilty?

If I were president, I would make prison reform one of my top-priorities.

· Provide more classes and instructors to teach inmates skills so they could get a job after they are released

· Apprenticeships for prison inmates

· TERMINATING BAIL COMPLETELY

· Hiring lawyers to represent non-violent drug offenders who have been incarcerated for over a decade to petition for their release (and personally overseeing this myself)

· FREE PADS AND TAMPONS for female inmates

· SEPARATE AND SAFE sections in prisons and jails for transgender inmates to deter hate crimes (of course, this wouldn’t be possible for all prisons, but in some cases transgender inmates may need to relocated to a larger prison where a separate section can be set up for their protection)

· Highly trained midwives and gynecologists mandated to oversee all childbirths and provide care to pregnant inmates

It’s really simple. The U.S. prison system is gross. Why aren’t any presidents looking at this?

Series Definition: “Dress for the Job You Want, Not the Job You Have” is a saying that inspired the first piece in my new article series, If I Were President. I’m not saying I want to be president one day, but I would like more power to make a difference. Often, I find it helpful to consider what I would do if I were a member of the White House, the Supreme Court, the NYPD, etc. I encourage everyone to step back when things look bleak and ask yourself, “What would I do differently?” And then share that! Even if you don’t have power to affect change, you have a voice. These types of exercises will help you recognize your voice, even in smaller issues, and perhaps by pretending you have a say, you will find a way you can make a meaningful difference.