Below is an article I wrote recently published in SleptOn.Com - one of the best sources of REAL news (along with Democracy Now - DemocracyNow.Org)
'After Innocence': Irrefutable Evidence of the Drastic Need to
Revolutionize U.S. Prisons
by 'Tha Truth' (Political Rap Artist)
August 03, 2008Politically educated individuals have no doubt seen many informative documentaries. Personally, I have seen countless well-done documentary films and many have added to my knowledge and evolution. However, the documentary After Innocence is beyond compelling; this film is one of the most important films ever made.
After Innocence takes us inside a place many individuals would rather not think about. It is easier for us to ignore topics that are unpleasant, yet often these are the topics most worthy of our attention and actions. While many tend to ignore the conditions inside the US prison system and tend to think the worst of incarcerated men and women, this film provides the opportunity to get to know those who have been locked away for decades.
From meeting several ex-convicts in the film, we learn about their treatment on the inside and how the system operated in their resulting prison time. The shocking aspect (to many) of the film is – all of these men were released because they were innocent, after serving years behind bars. Their innocence was proved in court years, even decades later. Then, after being released these wrongfully convicted individuals must deal with problems such as having to pay thousands of dollars to have their criminal records expunged, not being compensated financially for their suffering, trying to find a job with a criminal record, and living with the traumatic memories of isolation and inhumane treatment inside the prison walls.
It is beyond critical that any compassionate, politically educated individual see this film and encourage others to see it. We often speak of the problems of the US legal system, but this film provides irrefutable evidence of the drastic need to completely revolutionize US law enforcement. The film examines the inhumane treatment of prisoners, the role of money and greed in the lawyer/courtroom process, the outrageousness of the death penalty, and so much more. Fortunately those who made the movie are organized and active in helping to change the system. After seeing "After Innocence" viewers will no doubt be inspired to play a part in this crucial struggle. Far from being depressing, the film offers ways to get involved and portrays many courageous activists and organizers who are making a serious difference.
I have also written a song for my next political rap album called "The Injustice System," which incorporates many of the film's issues and themes. The song features lyrics such as
"The movie After Innocence
After you witness it
You see the significance
Of changing the whole system it's
The real Shawshank Redemption
That needs attention," "Daryl Hunt was innocent
but served 20 years in prison
His innocence was presented
with DNA evidence." The song's purpose is to infuse themes from the film (in addition to my own research) to bring attention to the prison industrial complex, outrageous drug war, horrific death penalty, and lack of humane treatment in so called corrections. Additionally, the purpose of the song (and my CDs) is to quickly educate those who are not prone to watching documentaries (like After Innocence) or reading informative books.
After Innocence is available from many outlets. For more info: afterinnocence.com
Tha Truth's music is available at
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thatruth2 and
leftbooks.com To contact Tha Truth email:
thatruthmusic@yahoo.com
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