Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Lock 'em up? Or what?

The idea is becoming commonplace that we in the U.S. are locking up way too many people, when compared to most of the rest of the world.

Well, maybe. But what's the chances that a large portion of our population are just plain outlaws in the first place? It's not as if there isn't a strong cultural thread idealizing the young, charismatic outlaw on the run. It isn't as if we have any movies -- or video games -- stressing that decision making should go beyond a knee-jerk and contemplate the long-term consequences of an action.

Aren't we supposed to lock outlaws up?

Beats death or amputations.

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