State of the Union guest: Being there was equivalent to being released

Matthew Charles, a prisoner who was recently released from prison after the bipartisan First Step Act, describes what it was like being honored by President Trump at the State of the Union. #CNN #News

[CreatureFeature]

I see a bunch of people calling Matthew a sellout even though this is bipartisan action. That’s how severe their TDS is. Truly unfortunate.

[JazI]

God bless you Mr.Charles and may you live your best life

[mr.painfultruth]

I know many who dont care about "criminals"...but, I've known folks who plead guilty to crimes they never committed. They often dont have money for a good lawyer, or dont understand the legal system

[madboyreadynow]

As a black man I identify with this man. I made a bad decision at the age of 19 and I got out and changed my life. Now at the age of 45 I am a software engineer working for a great company and living a wonderful life. This is why I forgive those two men in Virginia for wearing black face. We make horrible decisions as teens and young people and we should not be branded for life for a bad decision. I only care about the character of these men today not for some stupid decision they made as young people not understanding how it will impact their future as professional men. It’s not right how the media and politicians are calling for them to step down. We need to learn to forgive. We claim to be a Christian nation but we lack many of the qualities of Christ.

[angelrain]

A glitch in The Matrix! CNN reports on our presidents great compassion!

[alexanderbenavides]

How can the left hate on this man, and call him terrible names, acting like he betrayed his race. Matthew Charles is an independent thinker, good for him, glad he received his freedom.

[ltvbuilders]

probably the best CNN report I have watched in a year....thank you...I am sure you will quickly return to your hate trump campagn but I will thank you very much for this report

[lennonmueller]

To those suffering from the liberal pathogen, get well soon.

[wolverinehatescnn]

I applaud Trump for doing more for the black community than our last 3 presidents combined.

[davidellis]

Good for him to be able to enjoy freedom & be a symbol of the need to continue to eliminate mandatory minimums. To have real justice. Not injustice.

[worky]

Anyone notice how all of these professional and accomplished blacks rarely go back to the hood and offer any real assistance when a camera isn't around? That's because they come to realize in today's day and age the hood does more to hold down people coming from there than it does to helping lift the people. Once you see dropping the hate and false victimhood you're just another person judged on your character, qualifications and ambitions. I think the hood should be more grateful for our great civil rights leaders that fought and in some cases died so their people can be given an opportunity to be free and not just sit and blame the boogeyman for their poor decisions. All of the fake stolen victimhood is a slap in the face to those who really went through it.

[whyme]

Did anyone notice the women in their white KKK outfits without the hoods not one of them wore an American flag pin?

[jaybird]

The Straight Jacket Ladies in white remained seated while babies across America stood to take their first steps.

[Tina-qnpq]

Awesome story. This was a fantastic part of speech. #iamnotaTrumpfan

[hazell]

But still no apology to the Central Park 5....

[williamparker]

Asking about one's criminal history on an application is discrimination.

[poolman]

Thank you CNN. I am a rump supporter, if you keep these stories up, I will start watching you again.

[judy]

I am so happy that this man has his it bothers me that t-rump is using him to further

[senghor]

How is this criminal justice he already spent 20 years in prison for a non violent drug offence same drugs that are becoming legal .

[jetfire.]

He looked like he was chewing something good when he stood up