U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman
The American Dream has lived in the hearts and minds of Americans for countless generations – the idea that your class or your past does not define you or determine your value and that your success can be achieved through hard work and dedication – not the family you were born into or even your past.
In 1931, American writer and historian, James Truslow Adams, popularized the concept of the American Dream in his book, “The Epic of America' as, “not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.”
This week, I was pleased to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to recognize April as Second Chance Month. For millions of Americans who have served time behind bars for the crimes they have committed, there is an exceptional challenge they face when reentering society.
Looking for wellpaying jobs to support a family is already difficult for most, but under the current circumstances and stigmas placed on formerly incarcerated individuals, this becomes a nearly impossible task. The unfortunate reality of this situation is that the likelihood for these individuals to return to prison is high – because of the discouraging lack of resources and community support that is so desperately needed.
In his State of the Union Address in 2004, President George W. Bush stated, “We know from long experience that if [incarcerated individuals] can’t find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit more crimes and return to prison…. America is the land of the second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.” Even twenty years later, this remains a fact -- as it has for the decades before the former president’s speech.
Rising crime rates are a constant concern for communities across our nation. While it’s certainly most ideal that no one commits a crime that would send them behind bars, it is an unfortunate reality. However, if we can provide better reentry programs and community support that will supply these individuals with the tools they need to succeed, we may see crime rates drop, along with recidivism rates, as we restore confidence back into these individuals.
Recognizing April as Second Chance Month is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of creating pathways for the millions of Americans previously and currently incarcerated, who have paid their debt to society, and experience the innumerable barriers to successfully reentering their communities. Each of these Americans has an intrinsic value and is worthy of the dignity that comes with establishing hard-earned jobs and gaining sought-after respect. Everyone deserves a second chance. Let’s build upon the American Dream together, by breaking down the stigmas attached to incarceration and working toward reducing recidivism rates.
