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| Gov. Bush Brightens Easter for Inmates at Florida Prison |
| By South Florida Sun-Sentinel |
| Published: 05/02/2003 |
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Gov. Jeb Bush spoke before hundreds of cheering women April 20 in an appearance that won't win him a single vote. After all, convicted felons can't cast ballots in Florida. The governor and his wife, Columba, weren't out to win votes, but rather souls. He visited the all-female Broward Correctional Institution as part of an Easter service sponsored by Prison Fellowship Ministeries, an evangelical program for inmates founded by Chuck Colson, who served seven months himself for Watergate-related convictions. 'Easter is about new beginnings,' a sweating Bush told the crowd of about 300 inmates. 'We all have a chance to improve our lives, and this is the day to reflect on how we're going to do that.' The inmates, in sky-blue shirts and pants, or darker blue shifts, whooped, hollered amens and waved their hands as Bush told them he hoped they would someday alter their lives and win pardons. 'As governor, four times a year I sit as part of the clemency board, and I know I'm going to see you there,' he said. 'We love you dearly.' The service was the debut of Operation Starting Line, an outreach program by Prison Fellowship that's expected to be offered next year in many Florida prisons. It provides bible studies, seminars and special events for inmates, and is aimed at reducing the inmate recidivism rate. Besides Bush, Sunday's service featured blues music, hymns by the BCI Tabernacle Choir, and inspirational talks by former inmates who made good. Colson also addressed the crowd, the 26th time he's spent Easter in prison. 'I wouldn't be anywhere else,' he told the women. 'I can't call you fellow convicts, so I'll call you fellow sinners.' |
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