States may free inmates to save millions

[smyler]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080403/ap_on_re_us/prisoners_early_release_5

States are having major budget shortfalls and are talking about loosing thousands of felons on the street way before the end of their terms.  This is in large part because incomes are going down which lowers income tax plus people are losing their homes to foreclosure which pushes back payments of property tax.  They simply don't have the money to pay for everything that the people want or need.  In my view, we take care of the most important things first, and that includes public safety, roads and education.  We don't need incidentals right now.  Those should be cut first.  Governments should not be supporting stadiums and the arts.  I like both of those items but if it's a choice between watching a play once a year or so or feeling safe when I walk down the streets, I am definitely choosing safety.

[skool]

Any state that does this should automatically become a "shall issue" concealed carry state.

Many states already are. Many states are (mine included. Iowa) a "may issue" state. The difference between a "shall" and a "may" state is; In a 'shall' issue, If I apply for a concealed carry permit, and there is no reason NOT to give it to me (past record, felon, etc.) they MUST issue you one. In 'may' states it is left up to the county sheriff in the county you reside in. He can say no for any reason.

That is not right.  Me? I load my own ammo....I always feel safe no matter where I am

Mark my words, this country is in for some VERY tough times in the not to distant future. Best prepare

[HUDSON HORNET]

Maybe we should take a better look at India.
In that country, inmates are REQUIRED to be employed to pay for their OWN incarceration.
Hmmmmmmmmm

But I wonder then, does that mean that the prison guards work for the inmates?      

[skool]

Or.....
We bring back the 'chain' gangs. Why can't the prisoners be the state construction crews, repairing the roads, etc. all under the watch glare of "the man with no eyes" and his rifle.

Inevitably, some would try and run....BANG!....one less inmate to worry about. Its time we stop coddling this scum and put them to work!

[HUDSON HORNET]

Or.....
We bring back the 'chain' gangs. Why can't the prisoners be the state construction crews, repairing the roads, etc. all under the watch glare of "the man with no eyes" and his rifle.

Because that would mean fewer jobs for construction workers, and I'm sure the unions would object, as well they should with the layoffs lately.
Maybe if the states would decriminalize marijuana it would clear court dockets and make more room for violent offenders in our over crowded prisons?
Not to mention millions of additional tax dollars that would be collected.
Just a thought I think I thunk.   

[CodeBlueEMT]

 Evidently, it seems crime DOES pay.

 Shayne

[HUDSON HORNET]

Evidently, it seems crime DOES pay.

 Shayne

Pay OFF or pay OUT?     

[sugar]

Our justice system seems a bit out of whack!  I was talking to a prospective student today who has spent the last 5 years in prison for joy-riding - he was busted for grand theft auto - therefore a felony.  Now this young man admitted to walking by a car, seeing the keys in it and jumping in and taking the car for a ride around the block, parking it back where it was when he found it and left it there.

Someone told on him and he was arrested for GFA and his PD pled him down and he spent 5 years.  He now has a record and cannot be a nurse or any other professional due to the felony.

Somehow this doesn't seem quite right when a sexual offender read: rapist, gets a 3 year sentence, someone who pleas down to involuntary manslaughter - actually kills a person - and gets 5 years.  This kid stole a care and took it for a ride before bringing it back k- yes he should be punished, but Felony?

I do believe he's learned his lesson and is very sorry he did what he did, said he was just bored and stupid, and he agrees he should have been punished, but a Felony?

I agree with HH if we legalized marijuana we'd clean out our prisons in no time flat.  People who smoke weed generally are laid back and totally without drive or direction, but they also don't go around killing people - that would take to much thought!

CEO's who bilk millions of people out of their life savings get a slap on the wrist, get sent to a country club and then go back to their cushy lives.

Okay, I better stop now or I'll get reallly mad.

[Roswell]

Some Southern states still have "Chain Gangs" I know VA does . I've seen them along I-81 in orange coveralls, all chained together, a couple of big Bubba guards and a dog standing around with a shotgun (the Guards, not the dogs. Dogs can't be trusted with guns.They get excited if they see a critter and just shoot) But I'm sure someone somewhere has filed "cruel and unusual' treatment law suit. That, or a DISCRIMINATION one.

[Chief2blu4u]

Ah, roadside chain gangs !!!!!

They even wrote a song about it !!!!!


 

[HUDSON HORNET]

Ask Kurt Busch about Sheriff Joe in Arizona.
He feeds inmates for less than a dollar a day --- baloney sandwiches.
The joke is that it costs more to feed the police dogs. 
They live in the desert in old military tents in the heat and/or cold -- and are make to wear pink undies.
And yes, he works them on a chain gang.

You're correct Chief!
They DID write and sing a song about working on the chain gang.

That's The Sound Of The Men
Working On The Chain
Gang ------------

(Sam Cooke)