Spec2014 wrote:SavySallySupersedes wrote:Spec2014 wrote:What alternative do you purpose?? We can all make noise about a million different things??
What many countries in Europe have done.
-Legalize marijuana. Loosen up on drug laws.
ABOLISH PRISONS. We should be socialists instead.
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So let the criminals do as they please without repercussions??Hmm? Maybe all rapist, murders & robbers should be directed to your residence

! You are sympathetic to criminals then wonder why there is such a huge crime issue in the U.S ??? There communities stand by the based on race only & then they complain when either these criminals end up killing, raping or robbing them??? The Irony???

.... Marijuana is being legalized in the U.S because the drug cartels are posing a great risk to security.
Last but not least America is a sovereign country & its up to the American people what kind of government they want...Who cares about Europe & their socialist ways??? Apparently its not working to well over there...The last thing the U.S needs to do is promote more "entitlement" line of thinking! America has a more takers then makers so Its a sure fire way to collapse the Country! California is a prime example of this were an estimated 6 million aliens reside. So please cut the bull!

Yo, I wish you could see the incredulous look on my face right now.
A couple of rebuttals:
We could substitute prisons for something else (hmmm...maybe mental health institutions?). We don't need to mass incarcerate people to teach them how to have principles and ethics. I can't say this enough: great schools + safe neighborhoods + a viable safety net can prevent crime and improve lives!
People commit crimes for several reasons:
- ~They may be under strain. Living in poverty is extremely daunting especially when staggering unemployment and joblessness are affecting already struggling communities. Crime could be a way to make ends meet because no one can ignore hunger pains. If your basic needs aren't met, you're going to resort to other non-convetional and innovative ways to meet them.
~They may be associating with people who are already involved in crime. This is where we need to "fix broken windows" per se.
~They may be a product of failed public policy. We have to address the abhorrent policies of the '80's which affected blacks the most as it colorized major public concerns and introduced a "tough on crime" approach which did more harm than good.
~Most importantly, the prison-industrial complex has a lot to do with the recidivism we see in prisons today. Drug offenses can label you a felon, and if you're black, that's double a felony (because black males--especially--are already viewed as being dangerous by nature). No one is going to hire you. No one is going to help you in finding a house. You can't qualify for loans and grants if you want to attend college. You are permanently stuck in an undercaste.
Argh! Can't you see why this is the perfect recipe for unrest?
LOL! You actually think the government is working towards the collective interests of the American people? They don't give a shit about you. There are domestic corporations and multi-national corporations worth over several billions which are dictating everything. From our drug and prison policies to immigration and education reform.