Are California Progressives Blind to the Prison-Industrial Complex?

Published: November 30, 2007, 7:57 am

by Sharon Kyle Over the summer, my husband Dick and I attended one of the first meetings of the Downtown Los Angeles Chapter of the Progressive Democrats of America. Amid the high rises and lofts of the rapidly growing middleclass demographic of LA's Civic Center, a modest sized group of progressive activists gathered on the patio of the Bonaventure Hotel. In brainstorming ideas for organizing the growing numbers of downtown progressives in preparation of the 2008 Presidential Election and beyond, our discussions revolved around ending the war in Iraq, providing healthcare for all, public financing of political campaigns, and whether or not to impeach Bush and Cheney. Although the process was exhilarating, it was also somewhat disappointing. The exhilaration came from being in the company of others who share the belief that democracy cannot exist without an engaged citizenry. The disappointment came as I heard no mention of one of this nation's major crises: the growing prison

[ Full article ]

Blog link

Comments