Tag Archives: reentry

Jean Valjean is a Friend of Mine

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Bruce Reilly

Most reviews of Les Miserables discuss the singing, editing, and acting, disregarding the original text of Victor Hugo.  I write the simple reflections of a former prisoner who read this ex-con tale while sitting in a cell, with only a feint hope … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Politics, Prison Conditions, Race, Rehabilitation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Who Supports Education After Incarceration?

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Bruce Reilly

When the question of education after incarceration was raised on a national stage last fall, I never related to the view that puts a single individual under a microscope.  To me, it was always a systemic question; one that happened … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Rehabilitation | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The New Grandfather Clause: Illegally Disenfranchising 11% of New Orleans, and Other Tidbits

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Bruce Reilly

Upon moving from Rhode Island to Louisiana, I was curious about my voting rights.  In 2006, I was part of a small group of people to move Rhode Island voters to amend their constitution- and re-enfranchise people on probation and … Continue reading →

Posted in Voting Rights | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Troy, Hunger Strikes, and Law School: The Movement for Self Empowerment

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Bruce Reilly

These are busy times in the era of mass incarceration.  The execution of Troy Davis sparked the largest public opposition to the death penalty in American history.  Vigils and protests arose throughout the nation, horrified that someone can be put … Continue reading →

Posted in Innocence, Prison Conditions, Rehabilitation | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Prisoners and the Formerly Incarcerated, to Educate or Not?

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Bruce Reilly

PBS Newshour recently profiled the well-known Bard Prison Initiative in five New York state penitentiaries.  157 Prisoners have earned B.A. degrees over the past six years, with some going beyond that.  Does it please more people than infuriates?  It has … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Rehabilitation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Dear Momma

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Bruce Reilly

Dear Mom, Thank you for serving your time as the mother of an incarcerated child. Nearly 2 million moms today wondered if they would get a phone call from their baby locked away in a penitentiary, whether the phones would … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

God Speaketh: “Thou Shalt Legalize It!”

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Bruce Reilly

The 700 Club, a Christian talk show program hosted by staunch conservative Pat Robertson, is not the place you’d expect to find sympathy for the marijuana-legalization movement. But that’s exactly what happened this week when Robertson started talking about the … Continue reading →

Posted in Drug Policy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments