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Proposed Change of Term from “Offenders” to “Justice-Impacted Individuals” in Illinois Challenged
Illinois lawmakers are hoping to solve the high crime rate in Chicago with a simple name change. State Democratic lawmakers plan to propose House Bill 4409, aiming to amend the Illinois Crime Reduction Act of 2009. The proposed amendment seeks to rename “offenders” as “justice-impacted individuals.” The implications of this change could mean that these people are viewed as victims of the system, rather than individuals who have violated societal norms.
However, if it were simple semantics that could solve issues of crime, my work as a pastor, striving to transform lawbreakers within the Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side over the last two decades, would be unnecessary. Thus, I could halt the building of Project H.O.O.D community center, an initiative created to reclaim the district from wrongdoers. We must acknowledge, though, that this name change suggested by our state politicians is merely a manifestation of leftist naivety.
The Political Dilemma in Illinois
It is disheartening to observe how liberal ideologists have been sprinkling their proverbial magical dust on my community for several decades now. Their initial actions involved establishing welfare programs that indirectly encouraged fatherless homes in return for government assistance. As the years passed, they continuously failed to offer adequate education facilities and staffing. Today, neighboring primary schools produce students barely able to read or handle arithmetic. The recent decision by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to shut down some of the city’s top performing public schools, allegedly in the name of equity, only adds salt to the wound.
Criminals As Fully Human And Reformation
The wordplay tactic used to rechristen “criminals” to “justice-impact individuals” is viewed by the left as an act of empathy. However, it degrades the offenders’ humanity in my neighborhood. On the other hand, I see these convicts for what they genuinely are: lawbreakers. We must stay focused on the reality of their actions. Despite many of them being born into extreme poverty and disadvantaged situations, it does not justify their criminal behavior.
Throughout my experience, every single convict I’ve met in the streets or my church knowingly broke the law. They understood the legal boundaries and willingly crossed them. Their actions caused harm and, in certain instances, led to fatalities. No semantic gymnastics can absolve them from the aftermath of their deeds.
I firmly believe that a criminal can reform and become a lawful citizen, which begins with identifying the individual beneath the criminal facade. Once achieved, this person can reconnect with the good aspects of life and their personal identity. This newly found perspective can help them envision a new life path. I continuously reassure them that it’s possible to reshape their lives positively and, eventually, become responsible employees, parents, and citizens. However, this process isn’t for the faint-hearted and not everyone accomplishes it. Despite this, witnessing a successful transformation is nothing short of inspirational.
No liberal paradox can replace the genuine and human effort required to instigate lasting change in our community.
For more insights about my journey, tune into my latest series, “Rooftop Revelation.” For additional information, please visit Project H.O.O.D.
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