Julio Nelson Ventura, November 15, 2011

Sometimes when I am alone in my prison cell, I wonder if the Mara Salvatrucha will ever denounce their self-destructive lifestyle and find the social circles that are going to help them adjust to society.

Perhaps this is not a realistic idea. But even if it is not, should I stop dreaming and envisioning a better world for them? Of course not. These Salvadoran gangsters are wounded men, but the world doesn’t think so because they are killing and torturing, like any other local or international street gang. This shouldn’t scare anyone who is willing to help them. It should only give them energy and hope to help them solve their problems.

Because of this, I am always looking for those people who are willing to join my cause. Perhaps one day I will find them. When I do, I believe that the world, or better said, the activists who aren’t doing much these days will join us to help the Mara Salvatrucha adjust to society.

Their asistance might even bring animosity from the other political parties, but we will deal with them in a very civil way. In spite of this, we will continue to reach out to the Mara Salvatrucha who doesn’t understand why he is too dangerous for the world.

Up to this point, my idea shouldn’t be classified as some illusion, because it is not. It can happen, we just have to work towards it. In the end, it is not about me or about those who will join my cause. It is about building a better society with the help of innovators.