Last night I deviated from my usual 5:30 p.m./asleep before 6:00 p.m bedtime routine. President Obama was giving his State of the Union address and I stayed awake to listen.
I’ve now listened to 23 such addresses. I wander how many more State of the Union speeches I’ll listen to from prison. President Obama inspires me and I continue to feel strongly that he is the best leader for our country. Yet despite the challenges our country faces, with unemployment, war, terrorism and other pressing issues. I had hoped that by now we would see some leadership with regard to prison reform.
Readers who follow my work know that I have much to say on this subject. I’m convinced that meaningful reforms would lead to lower operating costs and less burdens by the taxpayers; I’m convinced that reforms could lower recidivism rates and contribute to safer communities; I’m convinced that reforms could contribute to homeland security.
The President and his advisers, apparently, do not think the country is ready for prison reform. To paraphrase his words last night–if not now, when? I don’t expect reform will come before my term in confinement concludes. But once I’m free, I intend to build a career working to help improve this system in some way. I don’t know the options that will open for me, but after all the years of prison behind me I’ll find some way to contribute.
I spent many hours today working on a collaborative writing project I began earlier this month. It will become an ethics book and I’m enjoying the creative challenge. I’ve devoted hundreds of hours to the project and it’s inspiring me. I’m grateful that others find some value in what I have to offer.
This morning I ran 10 miles and followed the run with 600 pushups. My routine kept me on track from 5:50 this morning until 8:28 – - an exhilarating workout.
[consecutive running log: 3,660 miles over the past 412 consecutive days]
[pushups in 2010: 9,300]
Thursday, 28 January 2010
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