Glorifying the failed policies of the radical left inside the Colorado’s Legislature has dangerous consequences.
The new HBO documentary "How We Get Free" is receiving criticism for its sympathetic portrayal of Colorado State Rep. Elisabeth Epps and her radical bail reform efforts.
The film, produced by Brooklyn based Multitude Films and endorsed by The New York Times, attempts to paint Epps as a "social justice warrior" but instead exposes the dangerous consequences of her actions on the streets of Denver.
The film is based on a New York Times article written by Nicholas Kulish in June 2020 titled "Bail Funds, Flush With Cash, Learn to 'Grind Through This Horrible Process.'" It focuses on Epps and her organization, the Colorado Freedom Fund, which paid the bail for individuals arrested in the wake of the George Floyd protests.
But as the film reveals, Epps' efforts to eliminate cash bail and dismantle the criminal justice system have only contributed to making the streets of Denver less safe. The so-called criminal justice reform measures she championed have failed Colorado communities, leading to a rise in crime. Even her own party has refused to support her radical legislation.
Republicans have been vocal in their criticism of these reforms, arguing that they contribute to more people committing crimes and ignoring their court dates. They also point to the decline in police and sheriff recruitment and retention as a result of a 2020 law that reformed policing.
Additionally, the use of "personal recognizance" bonds has allowed individuals accused of more serious offenses to avoid bail and be released back into the community.
Another controversial measure advocated by Epps is the decriminalization of drug possession, which some law enforcement officials and Republicans believe has contributed to the state's overdose crisis. However, criminal justice reform advocates and public defenders argue that this approach has not been effective in addressing drug use.
As the documentary follows Epps' campaign and election to the Colorado House of Representatives for the 6th District, it becomes clear that her work serves as the foundation for her fundraising efforts and various lawsuits. Despite her claims to be working towards abolishing the cash bail system, her ultimate goal is to end the criminal justice system altogether.
Epps' personal experience with the criminal justice system, including a conviction for obstructing a police officer, only fuels her crusade against bail and jail as she advocates for the end of cash bail in Colorado by 2028.
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The documentary may attempt to portray Epps as a hero fighting for social justice, but in reality, she and others are endangering the safety of communities and undermining the very justice system that protects them. As for her claims of bail being "ransom" and jail being "the cage," they are simply false.
The new HBO documentary fails to properly address the consequences of Epps' reform activities and instead glorifies her dangerous actions.