The President's visit to El Reno federal prison did more than encourage any one of us to think, there but for the grace of god go I.
Prisons, like our courts and justice system are often out of sight and mind unless of course, we have the occasion to feel or be in their presence for large scale or petty crimes.
What the President's visit to El Reno did for all of us was to remind us that this country's public policy and institutions represent each of us and the national values we have in place.
It is all too easy to find our attention confined to the vigor and demands of ordinary life rather than feel a real sense of responsibility for things not easily visible like prisons.
It is often difficult to understand our connection as citizens to our national doctrine of fairness, equitable justice and opportunity for all, yet all provide us with individual well being.
President Obama walked into a prison alone, but he took with him the hope of enlightened citizens, unafraid to examine this country's short comings and make them better.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
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