At Folsom Prison

After being a fan of Johnny Cash for a long time, I finally got this album.

As I listen to it, I can't help but think of the dignity that Cash offers to the prisoners in his visit, in the songs he sings (many about prison) and in his comments between sets.

Contrast that now with how we treat prisoners now. The nation's incarceration rate is at historic highs, and among the highest in the world. But politicians and prosecutors are not asking asking questions about the implications. Would public resources be better spent on other things? Is incarceration at these rates effective at keeping us safe? And obviously, why are these citizens ending up in the criminal world in the first place?

It's worth thinking about these things as you listen to Johnny Cash sing to the Prisoners at Folsom, California back in 1968. Cash seems to recognize that these prisoners have had some tough breaks, and deserve at absolute least some relief in music.