abaya

Jess--I think you've got it. That's the whole point, that the US prison policy is screwed up these days. We have to take people out of society when they break our rules, but once we remove them, we have no idea what to do with them. Maybe most of them don't reform. So it IS a waste, then. But what are the other options?

If, as you say, most people never change over their lifetimes... well, that's pretty depressing. We might as well kill any criminal as soon as they are "found guilty," since even if they go to prison they'll always be a corrupt criminal and a scourge on society.

I don't know if I can say that no one is capable of reform.

(Btw, I didn't mean to accuse you of being blood-thirsty; that was aimed at others who have voiced very clear opinions on "hanging the fuckers" and whatnot... was very surprised to hear that on TFP, I guess.)

__________________
And think not you can direct the course of Love;
for Love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
--Khalil Gibran