Letter: Support jail ministry programs

Our new attorney general, Jeff Sessions, is ready to leverage his new authority to re-wage the war on drugs in the months and years to come.

If history has taught us anything, one thing is for sure: our community jails (and future private prisons) will be full again, with low-level drug offenders ensnared by new mandatory minimums. And, while fully acknowledging the potential perils of habitual drug use, we can be sure of one thing: that households and neighborhoods will be devastated. The inherent injustice in our justice system (follow the money) will guarantee that those who can least afford this new war will become some of its first victims. And generations will be affected.

Perhaps the least that we can do is to support jail ministry programs that ensure chaplains are able to provide both a compassionate ear and a timely spiritual message to those future generations of incarcerated friends and neighbors.

You can help by attending Fresh Start Ministries annual spring fundraiser this year. Please join us on Thursday from 6:15-8:30 p.m. for an evening of gospel music and fellowship. Our gracious hosts this year are the family of Cedar Hills Community Church, 6455 E. Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids. Local musical groups White Ribbon Day and Elim Arrival will lead our praise. Free will offerings will be accepted.

Dale G. March

Cedar Rapids