03.23.15
The Making of “Prisons For Profit”: A Raw Deal
By Steve David
Ralph Mackey knows what he would do to make money in politics. “If I were a politician,” he said, “I’d be pushing private prisons.” Despite this statement, Mackey is no advocate for prison privatization. He knows far too much about what happened when Lake Erie Correctional Institute (LaECI) was sold to Corrections Corporation of America…. more »
03.20.15
Acknowledging Activism for Women’s History Month
By Regina Morin
“Remember the ladies.” In March of 1776, before the laws of the land were finalized, Abigail Adams wrote to her husband, John Adams, to remind him the Constitution should not limit freedom to men. She cautioned if women were not included, “we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by… more »
03.18.15
Want the Feds Knowing You Went to a Gun Show?
By Fred Ross
Photo by Kordite at Flickr Commons. In Ohio alone, there are at least 70 public gun shows every year. They are visited by collectors of antique firearms, historians, target shooters and hunting enthusiasts—and are often your neighbors. It’s estimated about one of every three Ohioans owns one or more guns. But do gun show attendees… more »
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03.16.15
The Making of “Prisons For Profit”: Building Characters
By Steve David
One of the first things that Craig Knowles loved about Cleveland was the Cleveland International Film Festival. This “hidden gem in the city” as Knowles put it, will premiere his film “Prisons for Profit” during the Ohio Shorts Program 3 on March 26th. Knowles, who co-wrote and directed “Prisons for Profit,” wanted the audience to… more »
03.13.15
“Heartbeat Bill” Returns, Along With Our Promise to Sue
By Gary Daniels
Last December, Ohio’s so-called “Heartbeat Bill” ultimately expired when a majority of members in the Ohio House of Representatives voted against it as the legislative session wound down. However, Statehouse watchers knew to expect it back some time after the new session started in January. They did not wait long as House Bill (HB) 69,… more »
Tags: Abortion, Heartbeat Bill
03.11.15
Just Trying to Use the Bathroom Here!
By Elizabeth Bonham
You might consider going to the bathroom a subject that doesn’t belong in the blogosphere—something so intimate, private, and none of your business. It’s all of those things. However, for the transgender community, the battle for equality often puts the most intimate parts of life under a public microscope. In Cleveland, that battle has centered… more »
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03.09.15
The Making of “Prisons For Profit”: One Last Call
By Steve David
Paul Reynolds was ready to give up. Reynolds was working as a corrections officer at the Lake Erie Correctional Institute when the state of Ohio sold the facility to Corrections Corporation of America (CCA). It was the first (and only) time a state prison was sold to a private company. In the three short months after… more »
03.06.15
Racial Justice and Police Practices: Raising the Issue
By Steve David
Are people right to say that if you don’t break the law police won’t bother you? Is it true that if you obey police orders you won’t get hurt? Not if you live in Cleveland—or in Ferguson, Missouri, for that matter. Forcing Change Before the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released their findings that Cleveland… more »
03.04.15
Police Body Cameras Are Promising, but Need Protections in Place
By Gary Daniels
Photo: West Midlands Police via Flickr Creative Commons Every so often, new or updated technology is introduced to law enforcement. The list includes tear gas, pepper spray, stun guns, dashboard cameras, and automatic license plate readers, among other things. These tools greatly assist police. Often, they may benefit the public; however, they also can have… more »
03.02.15
International Relations, ACLU Style
By Kimberly Millhoan
What happens when delegates from various continents are in one room together to talk about democracy? Last month we found out. In early February, we met with emerging leaders representing Argentina, Botswana, the Republic of Korea, Spain, and Tajikistan as part of a professional exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State International Visitor… more »