Opinion

OP-ED: Do State Prisons Promote Rehabilitation?

Published

11 years ago

February 18, 2015

Oakland Post

Richard Johnson is a columnist for The Post from Folsom State Prison.

By Richard Wembe Johnson, Folsom Prison

Though C.D.C. (California Department of Corrections) added the word rehabilitation to its heading, I have yet to grasp the meaning of the name change.

Is it the carrot and stick approach, or is it some inarticulate concept still being visualized –while lawmakers make laws that forge harsher and longer sentences?

Since the word rehabilitation was added, the intent was simply corrections, put plainly doing time or penitence, hence the word penalize, which you were sent to the penitentiary to be corrected.

The truth about the name rehabilitation is that it’s cosmetic at best. when you have a scenario in which a considerable amount of resources are designed for corrections, instead of rehabilitation, then consequently the only foreseeable result is a complete
failure.

You can’t have two competing principles that are diametrically opposed and expect them to converge without fully understanding their existing dynamics.

For example, at Pelican Bay State Prison, which is by design a maximum security prison to hold the most dangerous prisoners, not to rehabilitate them, but rather to punish and correct them through a system of isolation in Solitary Confinement. This isn’t a secret; the purpose of the Security Housing Unit (S.H.U.) isn’t to rehab, but rather it is to keep prisoners separate from the rest of the prison inmates.

Given this realization for the C.D.C., to add the word rehabilitation as if it’s some magical revolutionary design, is an insult and classic blunder.

In S.H.U. if you’re a lifer, the chances of receiving a parole date is unthinkable – no lifer is ever given a parole date while in S.H.U.

At the same time the prospects of rehabilitation is equally unlikely. Rehabilitation is more likely to be attained by the endeavors put forth by the individuals themselves, based entirely on self-initiatives.

Even this is an uphill battle, because in the S.H.U. certain forms of self-education are notably frowned upon and viewed as some kind of gang activity that needs to be halted.

Learning about your culture, your language and your history is somehow related to gang activity, at least from the viewpoint of the prison administration.

People in the S.H.U. are generally left to their own devices. Either they can wither away as a normal regression under such decaying circumstances, or they can improvise and rise to the occasion by becoming self taught.

If a person, on their own, learns how to write, read, draw, or engage in healthy exercises, while in S.H.U., this easily can be seen as promoting gang activity. Disciplinary action will be applied to discourage such self-educational conduct.

You’re dissuaded from reading books that they think, not know, are in some way extolling gang promotion. In light of these facts, in all fairness in some quarters there does exist some commendable and noteworthy advancements toward rehabilitation, such as viable trades and college courses.

Because the obstacles are massive; you can’t simply add a word and expect it to work without hard work and dedication to change.

A complete overhaul and rethinking concerning corrections, rehabilitation and most of all the use of Security Housing Units as a panacea is needed to decline the rate of recidivism. Fixed misdirection alters forward thinking, while prohibiting progress.

But, if you change the plan, you can change the man.

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Advice

Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

3 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

Oakland Post

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.  