In the midst of the unbelievable chaos that was last news cycle, I was heartened to read that legislation fighting back against mandatory sentencing was again being introduced by Sen Leahy (D-VT), Sen Paul (R-KY), Sen Merkley (D-OR), Rep Scott (D-VA), and Rep Massie (R-KY). I am not very familiar with the others, but my impression of Paul and Leahy is that for all their differences in ideology and temperament, they are both tenacious and intelligent lawmakers. They are excellent people to be leading the charge.
Of course, this effort is unlikely to be met kindly by the White House, who appear to be fully committed to locking up as many people as possible. It will be a very hard fight, even if we have the right people leading the charge. One would almost have to imagine congress being able to muster a bipartisan veto-proof consensus. I cannot recall when such a thing last happened.
But it has happened, if not recently. And maybe, with a lot of help from the people, it can happen again.
If you believe in criminal justice reform (and I will not attempt to make the case here, except to say I am passionate about it), this is a moment where something really special can happen, in terms of policy, politics, and national morale. This is a moment where a bipartisan movement can get something really important and really difficult done.
I cannot imagine anything that would make me prouder than one day saying to my children than saying, when I describe 2017, "Well, no one understood each other and people were frightened and angry and the presidency was embroiled in a dangerous scandal and people seriously doubted the congress could pass any meaningful legislation. And in the midst of that, Americans came together and fought against one of the greatest injustices of their time."
I want to fight for this. I want to fight hard for this. I want to do whatever I can to help bring home a giant, inspiring win for America. I want to prove we can make smarter laws and fairer laws, and we can do it for our country alone without needing our partisan teams to get the credit.
I haven't had time yet to start to formulate a strategy. But I want to start, and soon, and I will appreciate as many ideas and input as I can get. And I would very much like some allies to fight with.
