It’s been six months since I launched this blog. The adage “time flies when you are having fun” truly applies in this instance.

Over the past 6 months, I have posted almost 500 times here. I have written about prison labor, about “reentry”, about disproportionate minority contact with the criminal legal system, about racism and all other forms of oppression, about the school to prison pipeline, about juvenile justice, about the historical underpinnings of the PIC, and so much more.

The most gratifying aspect of writing here has been the responses that it has engendered. Friends and family have told me that they have learned new things about the criminal legal system by perusing this blog. Young people have written with questions and suggestions. Strangers have reached out to me with their stories, insights and ideas. I can’t thank everyone who has offered comments, criticism, and kudos enough.

I started this blog for myself. I never thought that other people would find it particularly useful. I hoped that something that I wrote might strike one person and perhaps mobilize him or her to action. The issue of mass/hyper-incarceration is daunting and can feel overwhelming. The PIC destroys countless lives every single day. It is the civil rights issue of our time. I feel blessed to be able to contribute to bringing these issues to public consciousness in this very small way.

In the New Year, I am committed to continuing to develop this blog. I hope that some of you who regularly read it will consider posting your own ideas and contributions here. I am looking forward to guest posts from friends, colleagues, and youth that I work with. This is an invitation to join in the important work of public education, advocacy and organizing around issues of the PIC.

I wish everyone a very happy New Year and I hope that 2011 brings all manner of peace, happiness, health, and positive energy to all.

I leave you with one of my favorite songs by Nora Jones. I wish you all “peace when the day is done…”