1 out of 100 : Behind Bars

[AJ]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/02/28/prison.population.ap/index.html

Wow, when you think about that it is crazy. I think we should look at this and also talk about what to do about the jail system.

[ZoomZoom Diva]

Unfortunately, this is a direct response to the people demanding government to be tough on criminals, combined with the extreme difficulty of capital punishment. Unfortunately, the combination of removing people from the streets, but not being allowed to kill them is a huge prison population.

Personally, I believe we throw too many people in prison and jail for things which should either be legal or non-prison offenses. Crimes like drugs and prostitution fall within this area. I also believe it can apply to cases where the person can be determined to not be a danger to society. However, the toughest part will be changing the mindset of society to consider punishment other than long and longer prison terms.

[Jana]

I think they should speed up the death penalty personally. I think too many inmates spend way to long on death row.

[AJ]

It's costly, that's for sure, but the idea of killing a possibly innocent man is where the problem is. We have those case where there is no doubt, and those poeple who kill their family and sit and wait to be locked up by their dead bodies need to be put to death.

But I also feel a real life BIG ASS prison would be a good idea. And I'm talking about taking half of Montana and boxing it up, and letting people create their own little society away from others.

[DrWebster]

We should just kill all the inmates, regardless of their crime. Because, you know, the threat of death in states with captial punishment has been SOOOOOO effective.

[JustROLLIN]

Yeah, I heard about that today on the news. Really a sad statement about our society, for a number of reasons. And yes, I think legalizing some drugs and prostitution is something to consider after careful examination of the negative/positive impacts on our society.

[AJ]

Do people have any idea how much we can bring in on taxes for legal prostitution and some drugs? The last place to legalize the pay for sex biz is taxing a new 1 billion dollar industry.

It can still be just as illeagl to drive while under the influance (like beer), but even though I don't do it, I wouldn't have any reson to smoking weed in their own home or while out walking around would be so wrong ya know.

[mazdamn02]

I don't think its a good idea to say "legalize drugs," that's a very broad statement, look at what meth does to people. If you're not worried about what it does to people stupid enough to start, what kind of a drain would it be on society to have more doing meth (and similar drugs)?

[dmention7]

If we're going to provide pot on a prescription basis, then just legalize the shit and tax it.

And prostitution? Jeebus, if thousands of women are going to be hookers illegally, then just set up some regulations around it, tax it, and treat it like any other job. Who are we really concerned with protecting when we illegalize a transaction between two consenting adults that can be performed for free at any time by any one?

[mazdamn02]

^^^ Very true Jay.

[Z-licious]

And prostitution? Jeebus, if thousands of women are going to be hookers illegally, then just set up some regulations around it, tax it, and treat it like any other job. Who are we really concerned with protecting when we illegalize a transaction between two consenting adults that can be performed for free at any time by any one?

I think the real issue is morality. The christians are imposing their moral beliefs on the whole nation. But wasn't this nation founded on the principles of freedom of religion? Or was that just freedom to practice their religion?

[dmention7]

Oh, you're absolutely correct E. It's entirely an issue of legislating morality, though I wouldn't blame it entirely on christians, it's just that they happen to be the majority religion in this country.

[spek1098]

Decriminalize possession of small amounts of all illegal substances. Fix seizure laws to stop stealing property from poor addicts. I don't know how much that relieves things in prison, by 1/3 maybe? Keep all current laws for people CONVICTED of dealing. Right now the police can take your car, house, any cash, and most valuables, when caught with the smallest amounts, whether or not you're ever convicted for a crime. That's wrong; it directly targets the people who need the most help, who are the biggest victims of all, in all of this. JMHO.