Janis Joplin many times sang the mournful lyrics “Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose” back in the ‘60s, and well she knew the cost of freedom. It was in the price of what she gave up…not what anyone took. She never really had freedom, despite her fame and convoluted fortune, and that’s what she was saying. I know this because my business partner at the time was her best friend, and she was with her until the end.
The Cost Of Freedom Blog is about how we’ve all lost our freedom by our collective choice of attitude. We might be free to drive around and do a lot of things freely, but few people seem to know how much we’ve given up to be “free,” and what that’s costing them…and us as a society. Our prisons and jails are full of people who know the pain of that lost freedom, but the fact is few of them had it to begin with. The same is true to a less dramatic but no less impactful way about many of the rest of us who live in prisons of a different kind.
But it’s not just that, by any means. It’s much more positive than that. It’s about how we take steps to get that freedom back…again by our choice of attitude, and by our willingness to tell the truth and be accountable for our thoughts, words and actions––how we learn to respect one another, and our individual cultures, gender and personal circumstances.
The photo above depicts freedom to me, both in an energetic, visual sense, and in a more personal sense. I twice flew a light plane over that bridge, once when it was enshrouded in thick fog and only a few skyscrapers (literally) poked through the layers of Walt Disney clouds, and again later on in her famous “golden glow” at sunset. Many years later, I stood under her with a group of my closest friends celebrating a breakthrough moment in my life. I had just addressed a luncheon of the members of the San Francisco Yacht Club on the subject of the meaning and true value of personal freedom, as one who served 2 1/2 years in federal prison, and whose federal prosecutor later wrote the Foreword to a book I authored. Behind me in the distance as I spoke to this esteemed body of accomplished people…was Alcatraz.
This Blog Site is about Personal Freedom, and I’d like to focus on those who have done time on either side of the fences and walls. It is my desire to explore ways and exchange ideas and principles of understanding how we create a better, more effective and truly correctional system of criminal justice. If we can make even a 15% positive change, the impact on society overall will be huge. Imagine what it could be like if we could make that 50%. We can. We just have to think…and act…differently. I know, “easier said than done”…but we have to start somewhere. Why not start with ourselves?
Don Kirchner
ReturnToHonor.org
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Let's Break the Chains
Time for Release? Now What? A Job? Low Pay. No Benefits. Forget It.
Create Your Own Online Job and Break the Chains
There is a good reason that the prison population is increasing dramatically. You are cash money to the man. They make a lot more with you behind bars than they ever will with you outside their control. So, when you do manage to get released, you are offered low paying jobs with little advancement, no benefits, and every opportunity to feel so low that in a moment of insanity you actually think you are better off inside. Check this out:
Despite the efforts of such groups as The Society for Return to Honor, a nonprofit organization in Sedona, Arizona, that aims toward facilitating the re-integration of qualified, pre-selected former convicted felons into their communities -- it is a tough road. The economy is flat and what jobs there are available are usually at or near minimum wage without benefits. Nobody can live or raise a family on such "opportunities".
With over 1,600,000 men, women and adolescents in jails, prisons and detention centers in the United States, and an astonishing 70-80% of all inmates released from incarceration returning to jail or prison within the first year after their release, it is clear that communities and individuals are not taking the extra meaningful steps toward understanding the true nature of criminal behavior, and addressing its causes rather than reacting to its effects.
Most determined and highly-motivated former offenders fight a nearly impossible battle for acceptance and respectability in returning to their communities. The simplest things most people take for granted are often formidable obstacles for the newly-released prisoner; a place to sleep, food to eat, clothes to wear, a job, transportation, and even deposits required for a place to live.
Often lacking the self-confidence, required social skills and personal resources, released prisoners face nearly impossible odds in their attempts at re-entry into society. WE CAN HELP. We have the compassion and willingness to understand the problems facing offenders of all ages.
THE COST OF FREEDOM BLOG
This blog is provided and maintained by Don Kirchner, founder of The Society for Return to Honor, and author of "A Matter of Time" and "Return to Honor". You can write to Don Kirchner at 80 Supai Drive, Sedona, AZ 86351.
"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your recent correspondence regarding your organization, Society for Return to Honor. As a society is faced with ever increasing crime rates, the need for programs that assist in the re-entry of former convicts into society is becoming more apparent. I commend you for overcoming the difficulties you have faced in your life and taking the initiative to help others in similar situations." -- John McCain, United States Senator.
"I feel your thoughts for juvenile justice programs have merit and commend you for the initiative shown in creating this proposal." -- Barry Goldwater, United States Senator
"The purpose of this letter is to express my appreciation for the assistance that you have been rendering the residents at the Bernalillo County Detention Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico. During the period of you incarceration, you have served as a tutor/counselor for numerous other residents in a sincere effort to help them prepare for better education and improve themselves." -- Michael F. Hanrahn, Director, Bernalillo County Detention Center
"I was impressed with the events in your personal life and the decisions you have made that brought you to this point. It is rare that an individual such as yourself, who has experienced the dangerous and destructive sides of drug trafficking, is able to re focus one’s life into a positive contribution to society." -- Craig N. Chretien, Former #3, Head of DEA
"My sincerest appreciation for your continuing work and effort toward educating the public about incarceration, recidivism and re-entry issues. I have been re-energized by your efforts and dedication to continue development of transition programs and projects designed to successfully assist those incarcerated to re-enter society as law abiding and productive citizens." -- John J. Spearman, Assistant Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections
Vietnam Veteran
Don Kirchner Served as a Chief Warrant Officer and Combat Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam
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