Do you believe that 1 in every 100 Americans is in jail? That seems hard to believe, but it is true according to an article I just read recently 2.3 million adult citizens were behind bars at the beginning of 2008. In a time when money is tight and government are strapped for cash the 50 states spent $49 BILLION dollars on corrections last year. That breaks down to $21, 304.35 for every person behind bars. There are also 4 states: Vermont, Michigan, Oregon & Connecticut that spend more on corrections than education.
There are many interesting ways to break down this data: for instance the state with the largest increase in prison population in 2007 was Kentucky, which was up 12%. The report also says that the crime rate in Hill-Billytucky only went up 3%... Also, 1 in 30 men between 20-34 years old is behind bars but 1 in 9 black men is behind bars.
My question is: Are we safer having all these criminals behind bars? Is there any better way to punish/rehabilitate non-violent criminals than to lock then up? I admit that I am very conservative and pro-punishment for those who break the law, but something has got to change. Bottom line in that we as believers cannot legislate love to a country, and truly only by a change of heart and repentance will someone turn from serving themselves to Jesus Christ. Is Jesus the answer? Are better laws the answer? What is the answer? Violent criminals need to be locked up, but how can we punish other crimes without sending them to jail?
CC
2 comments:
Is legalized drugs the answer?
Good question. I wonder what percentage of all those in jail are non-violent drug offenses. When caught, both user and dealer and going to jail. I am starting to think we need to look into it. What is the difference between alcohol and pot? Or cocaine and coffee (ok, maybe a reach). If we took the money out of it, how would it change the areas of our cities hold hostage to drug wars?
Post a Comment