Ten Reasons for Penal Abolition

written for the International Conference on Penal Abolition's 14 biannual conference, in Trinidad, June 12-15:

TEN REASONS FOR PENAL ABOLITION

1.       To provide space for making peace,

2.       Where honesty prevails,

3.       Where trust results,

4.       Wherein lies safety,

5.       Wherein our relations become secure.

6.       This is where compassion trumps fear,

7.       And anger,

8.       Where love is requited.

9.       This is the realm where we can let down our guard,

10.   Where in safety we dare to face those we fear and loathe most.

Hal Pepinsky, June 9, 2012