Former prisoner advocates second chances

During my time of incarceration, I heard and seen a lot how so many are judged no matter what race. Especially if one is ill for medical reasons, they shouldn't be judged as a fake from staff and gamble with one's health.

There are different kinds of illnesses. Drug addiction and alcoholism are also illnesses. Many crimes are committed under the influence of some kind of narcotic or alcoholism.

Do we punish people to a prison sentence than to treatment? There has to be a solution, there must be one time in one's life where one has done some kind of drug in their childhood or has committed a crime. We're not all perfect. And we pass judgment on the less fortunate.

Like so many immigrants who are deported because they have some kind of record these young adults who are raised here in America who have graduated and known no other home, but are deported, taken away from their families and children. Who will care for these children whose parents were deported and knows nothing about Mexico because they were raised in the land of opportunity?

During our president's first election, so many comments were brought up about his past or birthright. Did we pass judgment? No. Obama is serving his second term. Everyone deserves a second chance.

Linda Toscano

Warden