Originally Posted by TheSquealer

You are failing to distinguish between states, counties, cities etc. That is not a situation that describes everyone, everywhere, all the time (as being suggested by the use of the words "prison system" rather than clarifying the specific location). As i've said, obviously there are a lot of problems with the entire system which leads to overcrowding. Some states and counties are horrible and over crowding largely stems from harsher drug penalties, 3 strike laws, mandatory sentencing and so on.

My primary objection in these discussions is to all the fucking idiots who are incapable of basic math - where the statistical impact of harsher penalties, mandatory sentences and 3 strike laws lead to and would who would rather point to conspiracy theories of government and big business which will change nothing vs addressing the basic issues that can alleviate some of the problems with a simple stroke of the pen and repealing some sentencing laws.

And by the way... in spite of peoples constant claim of innocence because they were just "in jail for weed" does not change the fact that they are also part of the problem in choosing to break the law, knowing the risks and penalties. I don't agree with treating someone with weed like someone dealing meth, however, I still think there is a grave problem with the individual that decides to break the law, being aware of stiff penalties and is then dismissive of those facts.

For the record, i've been arrested 3 times in my life. All 3 were for warrants stemming from traffic offenses. I used to have a lot of fast cars, drove like an asshole and due to constant travel, sometimes didn't pay the tickets in time. One of times, i knew the city would put my in the minimum security prisons pre-trial facility so instead of just paying my own bail (the ticket cost + fines), I allowed them to process me and put me into the prison for my own amusement. As the door opened into a big common room, all i heard were people shouting my name. People i went to school with. It was like a class re-union for retards. I remember looking around and thinking "yeah, i think i could have easily predicted all these idiots would end up here". A couple for murder. One kid I really liked was working at an electronics store and was selling high end stereos, tvs etc and then breaking into the houses days later and stealing it all and was charged wtih like 20+ felonies. A lot of people dealing drugs and so on., This is the real question... what to do with these people. How do you identify who can be helped, who can't be helped, how do you separate them and help those who can be helped... and how do you help them.