Over 2 Million Imprisoned Is Too Many

Events are taking place this weekend in Washington, D.C., organized by groups seeking to reform the U.S. prison system. The Alabama-based group Families and Friends of People Incarcerated, which is leading the protests and other events, points to over 2 million people currently behind bars in the United States. The group says: "The United States imprisons its citizens at rates three to ten times higher than other democratic societies and holds 25 percent of the world's prison population. ... Racially discriminatory law enforcement practices, mandatory sentencing laws and other 'get tough' policies have made prisons crowded, dangerous places where international human rights laws are broken every day."

The main protest rally "Over 2 Million Imprisoned: Too Many!" -- endorsed by nearly 100 human rights, civil rights, sentencing reform and justice organizations -- will be held in Lafayette Park (across from the White House) from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m on Saturday, Aug. 13. Go to Journey for Justice for a partial list of speakers and other information.