From: ghost_of_morphy@theghostishere.com   
      
   On Sun, 09 Nov 2003 03:58:52 GMT, "Critter"  wrote:   
      
   >> >> The very idea that they will better themselves through gainful   
   >employment   
   >> >> is a MYTH, little more than a FANTASY.   
   >> >   
   >> >Since the reincarceration rate is about 90% I would agree. Maybe if they   
   >> >weren't given cable TV and career opportunities they'd try harder to   
   >> >stay out of prison :o/   
   >>   
   >> Ah... the wonders of spewing made-up-on-the-spot statistics. Care to   
   >> name the source of your alleged re-incarceration rate?   
   >   
   >   
   >Someone else quoted %50. I think that it is astonishing that thigns are so   
   >fucked up that half will go back in 3 years.   
      
   Astonishing, but true, according to a 1996 study by the Bureau of   
   Justice Statistics (a division of the US Dept. of Justice.)  The   
   actual number is 51.8%.   
   >   
   >I knew a guy. I wont say his name, but he was what doctors might call   
   >criminally insane. He had cut his own throat from ear to ear with a piece fo   
   >broken glass. We were on the same unit. Him black - me white, and you know   
   >something, we got along just swimmingly.   
      
   Sure.  Suicidal doesn't mean unlikable after all.  And the differences   
   between blacks and whites are GENERALLY less important in prison.   
      
      
   It would be the same between him   
   >and his society if his society would accept him as a human being.   
      
   Possibly.  He was not incarcerated for being crazy, after all.  He was   
   incarcerated for committing a crime, I would think.   
      
    I know   
   >that he had done many stupid things, but IT IS POSSIBLE to deal with people   
   >on a rational basis, and not like radioactive waste.   
      
   True.   
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