A day in CT politics

Each legislative session that I mentally prepare for what I know will be a little extremely frustrating and controversial month, according to whom I interact.

I feel obliged to do everything I can to improve Connecticut, more inclusive, fairer, more human. What makes social justice work in Connecticut a heavy washing is the fact that we are a deeply separate state and its presence is felt a little during participation and testimony in public hearings.

In some audiences, the tension can be cut with a knife. Much of my experience was in the hearings of the judicial committee. Government surveillance, a newly established committee and the executive and legislative appointment committee were rather pleasant to assist hearings. Group’s membership determines whether I feel seen and heard or dismissed.

In some audiences, I feel like I am walking in a war area. I hate it. I am fully aware that everyone in Connecticut policy does not want to see the change occurring and that resistance is deeply felt by words, disdainful looks, weak energy and body language. While many seek to dismantle this unjust system, others wish to maintain the status quo at all costs.

This is how the dance happens during each session. Two steps forward and three steps back. At the end of each session, I say to myself: “That’s it, I can’t do that anymore, the space is too toxic”, but I continue to present myself for the next dance session because I refuse to abandon justice, on the most vulnerable of our society and in particular of our young people.

My job is not to save the world. It is to break the mold of racial injustice starting in the roots. Today was one of these days. I fought to transform our prison system into a system focused on humanity and justice. With each submissive policy proposal comes from the resistance of those who are good with a prison system that leaves people broken in the mind, body and mind.

Although countless voices arise to tell painful stories of deep trauma suffered in the prisons and prisons of Connecticut, many think that their words will fall into the ears of a deaf and the cold heart. The worst part is to do the heavy job to codify humanity and justice in law only for the laws to be raped without consequences.