I knew that our community needed a very clear voice. and I think we deserved representation that rejected lobbyist funds and put our voters and our community first.
Alexandria Ocasio-CortezRead
In terms of closing Rikers, we have to close Rikers, but we have to ensure that we're not just taking - that we're not continuing to incarcerate the same level of people. It doesn't do us much good if we close Rikers and then take that same amount of people and just distribute them to be incarcerated elsewhere.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the need for genuine reform in the justice system rather than merely relocating incarcerated individuals.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks to the importance of closing Rikers Island, a notorious jail known for its harsh conditions, while highlighting that merely shifting incarcerated individuals to different facilities does not achieve the goal of true systemic change. The essence of her statement is that social progress must involve reducing incarceration rates and addressing underlying issues in the criminal justice system, rather than just moving prisoners around.
Themes
JusticeReformIncarcerationSystemic ChangeRikers
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a discussion about prison reform at a community meeting.
More from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
All quotes →People try to identify who is the most likely person to turn out, and what we did is that we changed who turns out. And that changes the whole electorate.
Alexandria Ocasio-CortezRead
My mother cleaned homes and drove school buses, and when my family was on the brink of foreclosure... I started bartending and waitressing.
Alexandria Ocasio-CortezRead
Similar quotes
I finally learned to accept that I can't make radio play blues any more than I could get Reagan out of the White House.
Bonnie RaittRead
I have a magnificent obsession. All I want to do is change the world ...make it a better place for this and future generations.
W. Clement StoneRead
When there's a disappointment, I don't know if it's the end of the story. It may just be the beginning of a great adventure.
Pema ChodronRead
What is it you want to change? Your hair, your face, your body? Why? For God is in love with all those things and he might weep when they are gone.
St. Catherine Of SienaRead
True transformation only comes from sustainable strategies.
Hillary ClintonRead
Drug reformers need to be hyper-vigilant. I understand that when you've been oppressed so long, so thirsty for truth, that when someone comes along and gives you a sip of water, you think that they're the savior. But in that water there may be cyanide.
Carl HartRead