Opinion

OP-ED: Cease the Hostilities

Published

11 years ago

February 10, 2015

By Richard Johnson, Folsom State Prison

When we ponder the age-old question of whether we can all get along, it is still a dilemma because not much has changed in regards to social relationships between people of diverse cultures, beliefs and religions.

These differences often seem to escalate into physical conflicts.

Several years ago in Pelican Bay State prison, different prisoners, so-called gang members of distinguishable nationalities and opinions, came together in an expression of hope to stop the violence not only behind the walls but also outside the walls.

This in itself was a historical monumental event, given the history of violence that has plagued prisons, especially in California.

These brave men who rallied together to halt the violence did so because they came to realize that fighting each other only plays into a pattern of bloody carnage.

These men also finally made the connection that the violence that existed inside reflected the violence outside as well, and it must immediately stop.

The fact that all these men at various times were directly or indirectly involved in violence undoubtedly allowed them to have a discourse on the subject from a position of first- hand knowledge.

They understood that civility must begin somewhere, so why not begin at the heart of the violence to create a better environment for everyone, both inside and out.

They diligently put themselves out there, desperately going against the paradigm that has prevailed for decades, that being the premise that violence was the only way.

Some prison administrators balked at their decision to unify and dismissed it as some gimmick with an ulterior agenda. This reaction was to be anticipated because they often exploit the differences and chaos in prison so they can control the inmates by pitting one faction against the other, keeping the flames of antagonism, hatred and hostility burning.

These same attitudes are being played out in the neighborhoods with similar mindsets on the same ongoing disputes that are played out in prison.

Instead of applauding the efforts of these brave inmates who banded together to halt hostilities, they were dismissed as troublemakers.

Acting as a devil’s advocate, I can see the prison bureaucrats’ point of view, because stopping the violence upsets the mainstay of prison hegemony (violence).

Stopping violence curbs the cash flow from their backers on the money chain.

However, the prisoners can’t do it by themselves. They need community support in order to exact real substantive change. The churches, community services, politicians and everyday people must get involved so that failure won’t be an option.

We need to contact community leaders to let them know that you embrace and support them wholeheartedly.

Don’t allow those who dictate the terms of prison affairs to continue to articulate and promote prison dissension as in the past. It’s a brand new day with new updated thinking, and progressive action.

The future belongs to those committed to making it happen, not to those who choose to sit on the fence remaining silent to the future.

If it can happen inside, why can’t it be done outside?

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Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

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March 22, 2026

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March 17, 2026

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Advice

Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

3 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

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Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  