While we are debating the criminality of politicians and how they are above the law, there is a segment of society who break the smallest of laws and the consequences are harsh and dire. It is the very issue to which a group of NFL players have been drawing attention over the last two seasons. Before you hit the unsubscribe button and call me a bunch of names, hear me out. I do not, nor will I ever, agree with Colin Kaepernick protesting during the National Anthem. His protest and his words about why he protested proved that he was uninformed of the truth, and was showing disrespect for our nation by promoting communists such as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. But there is more to the story.
Philadelphia Eagles players Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long, and Torrey Smith also protested. They said from the very beginning that it wasn't about the National Anthem or disrespecting the country. It was about criminal justice reform. It was about kids that were put in the system for misdemeanors and staying in the system because they couldn't get out. It was about adults who were arrested, and who may even be innocent, not being able to make bail, so they remain in jail for months or even over a year before their trial is conducted. It was about how these types of policies were impacting, even devastating, communities of color. It's true. The facts, in Pennsylvania alone, are amazing.
For example, Philadelphia has one of the highest populated jail systems in the nation, and it is increasing. Some 15 percent are in jail awaiting trial for 120 or more days. Bail is set so high that those jailed for disorderly conduct, loitering and some types of theft up to $2,000, cannot meet it, according to research done by the city. Also, think about this : the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health shows 5 percent of families account for more than 50 percent of all arrests. These are the specific issues that the players, and now the NFL and its owners, are taking up regarding criminal justice reform. They are also very similar to the Trump Administration platform on criminal justice reform. Strict law and order AND reform the system to hold fairness.
This is not about liberal vs conservative. This cycle ruins people's lives, and it's costly to taxpayers. NFL players and law enforcement are bringing kids together with hopes of kindling respect and trust. Education programs are being conducted for youth to understand the role of police. These are positive efforts being taken to break the generational curse of criminality. Jesus said in Matthew 25:36, "I was in prison, and you came to me." Then he said, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me." This is a prickly issue. We need, however, to break the generations of criminality in this country. We may not like what it looks like, but at least it's a start. Jenkins, Long and Smith have turned their short-lived protests into actually doing something about the problem. 
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