We have more prisoners per capita than – ready? – any other country in the world. By a substantial margin. Why? Because we throw people in jail for ludicrous reasons (e.g., marijuana possession) and keep them there longer.
Texas and China – kindred spirits when it comes to the sanctity of human life. It doesn’t even matter if the person’s innocent just so long’s there’s a killin’.
Private prisons cost considerably more than public prisons, even when run by unions, and that’s even after they’ve cherry-picked their prisoners so that they don’t have to pay for the cases with expensive mental health care. The solution is (a) put fewer nonviolent criminals in prison, or (b) raise taxes to build more prisons. The solution of cramming prisoners into squalid conditions until they die is neither ethical nor effective at making prisoners into functioning citizens on their release.
vortex – nah, don’t take recreational drugs of any kind, including alcohol and tobacco. Strongest thing I take is Diet Coke. But the current laws on drugs are ridiculous. We waste a lot of time and money and scar a lot of inoffensive people for this. (Potheads are usually pretty mellow anyway, right?) Portugal just decriminalized all drugs, and amazingly it seems to be working great.
Overcrowding would be relieved if we only locked up true “bad guys”, not drug USERS. “White collar dudes” (like Madoff) are in point of fact often more deadly than the guy in a 7-11 with a gun, they kill people or destroy lives economically.
Now, to reduce costs- “two hots and a cot”- as a minimum standard for prison space and treatment would help. Also, “life without parole”- should also mean- without any but basic medical care ‘til you croak, likewise when it comes to amenities like TV, conjugal visits, or any other “privilege”. REAL bad guys (and gals) don’t deserve any bleeding heart treatment.
Elections have consequences, and since Republicans in the Senate played too ‘highroady’ and allowed 0bama’s two supreme court justices to be confirmed.This case was decided on the theory that the overcrowding constitute a ‘crewel and unusual’ punishment . . .And incidentally, it is not that easy to land in a California prison – a simple pot possession gets you a ticket.
Dtroutma about 13 years ago
When voters say “lock ’em up for longer terms”, then vote against any taxes to do it- something has to give. (or someone?)
worldisacomic about 13 years ago
We had more prisons, privately run prisons. and they were shut down due to politics and the prison unions.
Motivemagus about 13 years ago
We have more prisoners per capita than – ready? – any other country in the world. By a substantial margin. Why? Because we throw people in jail for ludicrous reasons (e.g., marijuana possession) and keep them there longer.
Motivemagus about 13 years ago
Oh, yes: http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_pri_per_cap-crime-prisoners-per-capita
cdward about 13 years ago
Texas and China – kindred spirits when it comes to the sanctity of human life. It doesn’t even matter if the person’s innocent just so long’s there’s a killin’.
cdward about 13 years ago
Locking up petty criminals (or just drug users) for hard time is just stupid. Not only can’t we afford it, but it only makes hardened criminals.
ARodney about 13 years ago
Private prisons cost considerably more than public prisons, even when run by unions, and that’s even after they’ve cherry-picked their prisoners so that they don’t have to pay for the cases with expensive mental health care. The solution is (a) put fewer nonviolent criminals in prison, or (b) raise taxes to build more prisons. The solution of cramming prisoners into squalid conditions until they die is neither ethical nor effective at making prisoners into functioning citizens on their release.
Motivemagus about 13 years ago
vortex – nah, don’t take recreational drugs of any kind, including alcohol and tobacco. Strongest thing I take is Diet Coke. But the current laws on drugs are ridiculous. We waste a lot of time and money and scar a lot of inoffensive people for this. (Potheads are usually pretty mellow anyway, right?) Portugal just decriminalized all drugs, and amazingly it seems to be working great.
Dtroutma about 13 years ago
Overcrowding would be relieved if we only locked up true “bad guys”, not drug USERS. “White collar dudes” (like Madoff) are in point of fact often more deadly than the guy in a 7-11 with a gun, they kill people or destroy lives economically.
Now, to reduce costs- “two hots and a cot”- as a minimum standard for prison space and treatment would help. Also, “life without parole”- should also mean- without any but basic medical care ‘til you croak, likewise when it comes to amenities like TV, conjugal visits, or any other “privilege”. REAL bad guys (and gals) don’t deserve any bleeding heart treatment.
oneoldhat about 13 years ago
if Ca talk to sherrif A and bought tents made in USA it would boost the econ and lower cost
WarBush about 13 years ago
So Vortex (being the Christian that it claims to be) wants to kill pot heads? WTF man?!?!
petergrt about 13 years ago
Elections have consequences, and since Republicans in the Senate played too ‘highroady’ and allowed 0bama’s two supreme court justices to be confirmed.This case was decided on the theory that the overcrowding constitute a ‘crewel and unusual’ punishment . . .And incidentally, it is not that easy to land in a California prison – a simple pot possession gets you a ticket.
Motivemagus about 13 years ago
^ “Republicans in the Senate played too ‘highroady’” — HAHAHAHAHA!
Motivemagus about 13 years ago
pirate: ‘Cause they’re all Commie rats anyway, right? Even the Swiss bankers…
petergrt about 13 years ago
The Democrats filibuster every judicial appointment they don’t like – when they are in power . . . . as opposed to the Republicans, hence ‘highroady’.