KIM K. AND J. KUSHNER ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM—SOME THOUGHTS
It is extremely helpful and appreciated that Kim Kadashian and Jared Kushner are putting their considerable celebrity and influence behind Criminal Justice Reform. The only problem is that neither knows what “Reform” means or how to do it.
Kim Kadashian appears to put her money and celebrity behind one Black woman who received a life sentence for her first drug offense. She is to be supported and applauded for that support. However, helping one person and their situation is not reform of the system. The problem is the sentencing structure itself that allows a judge to impose such a sentence. President Trump has recommended the death penalty for drug dealers. Someone needs to try to influence him if he will listen. Kushner appears to have some experience from visiting his father when he was incarcerated.
The Criminal Justice Reform Bill that Jared supports can hardly be called “Reform.” It does not address sentencing which is the heart of the problem. The Criminal Justice Reform of Bill Clinton which called for mass incarceration is not affected by this reform. This so called Reform Bill only addresses rehabilitation programs and proposes increasing good time from 47 days to 54 days. No money is allocated for an increase in rehabilitation programs. There are long waiting lists for the existing rehab programs. Anyone who thought this new Reform Bill would make a difference can sit back. The only thing positive is that the public is now aware that there is a serious problem. These two individuals are shedding some light on one of the problems—sentencing in federal government. The problem itself of mandatory sentencing is not being addressed. All of that being said, Kim’s heart appears to be in the right place. Hope she is successful in getting clemency for this Black woman. Someone needed to try to help. Let’s not call trying to help one individual “Reform”. Jared is at least putting support behind one piece of the prolem–the lack of rehabilitation for prisoners. It is sad that this bill is not the answer nor is it any type of Reform of the system.
We can support Kim K. and J. Kushner’s attempt to draw attention to the need for Criminal Justice Reform even if neither understands what reform means or has made any real proposal for reform of the system. Let’s hope they continue to try to make progress.
