Land of the Free
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One percent of the American adult population is now behind bars.
The more pertinent statistic, of course, is the fraction of that fraction who are incarcerated for wholly illegitimate crimes -- most notably drug-related offenders, but there are others.
Another useful statistic would be the fraction who are nonviolent offenders. It is not per se irrational or unjust to imprison them -- "punishment" is just as valid a reason to incarcerate as "protecting society" -- but the staggering prison population (and its associated costs) suggest a re-evaluation of the issue is in order.
One percent. In the land of the free.
It defies comprehension.
The more pertinent statistic, of course, is the fraction of that fraction who are incarcerated for wholly illegitimate crimes -- most notably drug-related offenders, but there are others.
Another useful statistic would be the fraction who are nonviolent offenders. It is not per se irrational or unjust to imprison them -- "punishment" is just as valid a reason to incarcerate as "protecting society" -- but the staggering prison population (and its associated costs) suggest a re-evaluation of the issue is in order.
One percent. In the land of the free.
It defies comprehension.
Posted by Kip on
28 February 2008
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