Yellow Ribbon Project

It's important for us to show that we are a compassionate nation. Too many times, people say that we are harsh, too overbearing, not forgiving to the ex-criminals. That is wrong and I want to tell everyone that it is wrong. We are willing to give former offenders a second chance. That's what the Yellow Ribbon Project is about. We must show the world that we are not a prison or police state.

The issue is whether these ex-offenders deserve it or not. As you know, we have two kinds of criminals. One group is the kind that committed the crime out of necessity or impulse. They must be made to know that what they did is wrong. Our prisons and punishment ensure that. Then they come out, ready to be useful citizens again. And we must give them that chance, that opportunity to do right by their friends and family.

Then there's the other group of criminals. The hardcore. The troublemakers. The miscreants. No matter how many times we fine them or jail them, they will still be back in court. We must take a firm stance with them. Get it in their heads that we mean business. It takes time, but we need to do it. Every citizen is important for our small nation.

Sometimes, they learn and change their ways. That's good. But most other times, they go back to their old ways. So we have no choice but to haul them into court again. This isn't what we want, but we can't allow these hooligans to go about their ways, messing up society. Even holding a cycling event could be a danger!

The Yellow Ribbon Project probably isn't the best for this second group. That's where we have to draw the line. And if people refuse to see that, so be it. As long as my people understand it and accept it, then that's all that matters to me. Because then I know that I will continue to have your vote.