Corrections_Today_November_December_2019

From Jim’s Desk 2019 nEWS & vIEWS

A s we near the end of 2019, it is a good time to reflect about the year. Tragedy after tragedy befell our nation with mass shootings. Incidents of mass murder (principally over the issue of gun

control) continue the never-ending process of division in our nation. Our national dialogue includes put-downs, accusations of stupidity, making fun of those we don’t agree with and belittling serious problems

facing our country.

It matters not at all where you come from on this issue, nor for that matter any other issue that divides us. What matters, in my opinion, is how we treat each other. We need to bring back into our conversations listening, understand- ing other points of view, being respectful of those of whom we differ and not taking ourselves quite so seriously. Easy to write, hard to do. As 2019 comes to a close, my prayer is that 2020 will usher in a new dialogue. One that is more kind and, frankly, gentle. Oh! Heck! I forgot! It’s a presi- dential election year! Forget it. It’s only going to get worse! Happy New Year!

James A. Gondles Jr., CAE ACA Executive Director

istock/Irina Vodneva

6 — November/December 2019 Corrections Today