The last 23 years have proved that the H.R. 3355 (103rd): Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 has failed miserably. It is even more evident in poor, disadvantaged communities with one community, the African American community, suffering the most devastation.
It is now, for such a time as this that we have been placed here to right a horrific wrong. From a historical perspective, the Republican Party was formed in the 1850’s with a clear goal of abolishing slavery. In the 21st Century we gather the most vulnerable in our country, those already oppressed, throw them into our penal system, and damn them as they repeat the process until they are there for life. This should be our modern day Republican Party battle cry. As those who went before us stood for the most vulnerable, we must do the same today.
It is time to work towards reforming, repealing, and replacing the 1994 crime bill legislation that rules judicial systems today. A “Rebuilding of the Criminal Justice System by Restoring That Which Was Lost,” will begin the healing process of our nation. As well as restore the promises of our Constitution that guarantees all citizens the 5th, 6th, and 8th Amendment rights, regardless of their financial worth, race, color, or creed. Although a few aspects of the 1994 Crime Bill are still valid, the main three aspects accentuated here must be dealt with swiftly.
As in the days of old righting the wrongs of slavery was a difficult task, this shall be no different. The American public has bought into the lie that some are “just” more likely to be criminals or criminally minded and that the most appropriate way to “deal” with them is to bring them to submission. Our research proves, however, that this system is not working and the only thing we are doing successfully is destroying those who need our help the most. It is not the mindset of the authors of this paper that criminal behavior should go unpunished, we are of the mindset that punishment should tilt firmly towards rehabilitation from a holistic perspective and that those who do need to be incarcerated are those who truly should be there.
Shortly after the 1994 Crime Bill was passed, many states followed suit. Felons are unable to get jobs, housing, or education. We have left them with little alternatives to succeed or to become contributing citizens. The fundamental theory of Maslow's Hierarchy is literally unattainable by the clear majority of 650,000 prisoners released yearly. How can America ever be great if we leave this bill in place?
As a nation, we must decide if we will continue to define ourselves as a country that cultivates and manages criminals, or as a country that sees its people as a national treasure? If we choose the latter the consequence may result in the saving the lives of countless generations.