When gangster rappers put out music pumping murder, gang-banging, and dope life, their message is received by legions of adoring fans. The labels claim it’s just entertainment. But many of these people are so easily influenced and have so little going on in their lives that their identity, reality, and worldview get swallowed up in a rap lyric. It becomes who they are. So they carjack and kidnap and murder… And they end up in the bunk next to me with a life sentence.

When Donald Trump hops on stage at campaign rallies spewing divisiveness, preaching fear, and demonizing his political opponents, his message is received by legions of adoring fans. The Republican establishment and FOX News claim it’s just political rhetoric. But many of these people are so easily influenced and have so little going on in their lives that their identity, reality, and worldview get swallowed up in the hate-speak. It becomes who they are. So they troll people on Twitter and drive cars into crowds of protesters and mail pipe bombs to former presidents… And they end up in the bunk next to me with a life sentence.