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Believing in Second Chances- Beto Talks About His DWI


U.S. Representative and Senate Candidate Beto O'Rourke talked about his 1998 DWI arrest in the debate between him and Senator Ted Cruz. Captured above is his eloquent response.  Beto takes full responsibliity for his DWI, not minimizing it all or the seriousness of it (he was fortunate in that in exchange for some classes, his DWI was dismissed in a plea bargain which is almost nonexistent today). What is the important lesson in this is that he was able to move on from his DWI and have a second chance at life's opportunities. He was able to open a business, get elected to the El Paso City Council, get married, have 3 children and become a U.S. House of Representatives for his district.  It is so important that people get second chances. District attorneys should consider (just like Beto references in the above clip) that many people won't be able to successfully move on in the directions they had planned if they have to disclose to employers that they were convicted of a DWI. DWI is unique in that most cases do not involve victims, there was never any intent on going out and committing a crime, and good people find themselves with the most draconian of punishment measures all because of what typically was a careless mistake.

Mr. Fred Rogers (of PBS's Mister Rogers' Neighborhood) said "The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only by its people feeling that they are worthwhile."  The criminal justice sytem is the perfect place to heal broken lives and give people a second chance at life. Everyone that goes through the criminal justice system needs to be reminded not just of their mistakes, but of their unique specialness and how the world needs them. This is where jurors, judges and prosecutors must shift their thinking.  If we focus on giving people a second chance, we vote to improve the future. Where it is possible, to learn from their mistakes and get a second chance- this is where greatness lies. A powerful society focuses on the potential of its citizens, not their destruction (our prison costs are incongruously disproportionate to what other countries spend).  Unfortunately, what Beto said is very true. Those of color and lesser means often do not get the same opportunities at a second chance than those with resources. This is the dawning of a wonderful opportunity that lies ahead of us in today's criminal justice reform.  Not only does this redeem the hopes of our citizens who make mistakes (particularly in non-intent crimes such as DWI), but this contributes to the moral fiber of our families, productive citizenhood, and economy.

Kudos to Beto O'Rourke for his sensitivity that many won't go through the justice system with a second chance like he received. It is something we must work on as far as societal reform for the betterment of all of our citizens. His sensitivity to this issue and courage in speaking out is inspirational. May we all start laying the bricks toward a criminal justice system that gives people second chances with education and training.  For all those who have received the brunt of an unforgiving criminal justice system, may you have the strength and character to rise above the hurt of missed opportunity and work hard to change the system for others.
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