[spoonjim]

Yikes. This is why I support only under 30 days or life without parole incarceration, other punishments should be Singapore-style caning. I don’t think I should have to live next to people who lived in a place like what you describe.

[Clent]

Physical punishment is cruel at any level. When does it become ok to intentionally harm another creature? Why is 'they don't understand' applicable to animals that are not also humans, we are judged by those of us we treated the poorliest.

Much could be resolved by attacking the lack of goal based outcomes from the criminal system. Perhaps influenced by punishment culture in American.

Most state funded institutions are incentivized to produce good outcomes or lose control of their funding and eventually employment.

The same should apply to the prison system. Shut them down, reorganize. Repeat until we achieve desired affected.

America has become a no nothing culture. Watch agape, engagingly discuss, wait until next distraction.

There is no problem America cannot ignore if they work together. Paradoxically, there is no problem America can work together to solve.

[sershe]

Why not give people a choice? If I was facing this choice I'd prefer physical punishment to losing years of life, not to mention the physical punishment you'd get in there anyway.

Moreover, in the US after prison your life is going to be very hard, and even if the restrictions on felons are removed the kind of friends, networks, and lack of education/training I assume (including from these comment) people get in -prison would not be conducive to becoming a normal member of society.

I don't think even 30-day prison sentence is needed - what good can it do? If you're poor you are likely going to lose your job and rent, and if evicted you'd lose all your stuff.

I think that people incompatible with society (significant assault/armed robbery and up, or lots of repeat crime) should simply be executed, and then for most, the incentives should be aligned correctly. I don't pretend I know exactly how, but e.g. a sketch - let's say for property crime (including white collar) people have to work off the damage + some penalty via a repayment schedule (without any detention, maybe an ankle monitor or something); if needed, give them a minimum wage job or training - even a "welfare" job/training from the govt that doesn't pay for itself. With the alternative being indefinite detention, i.e. that only ends when you agree to work / are done working it off.

[thematrixturtle]

Sticking somebody in isolation for two years as described in the article, staring at bare walls, is far worse than physical punishment.

[spoonjim]

What's your proposal for dealing with rapists/murderers/child abusers/etc? If it doesn't involve shooting them to Neptune, explain how you will keep them permanently out of my life.