YES! We Can Reinvent a Failed Prison System

[marmar]

from YES! Magazine:



YES! We Can Reinvent a Failed Prison System
YES! Magazine's summer issue will grapple with how to solve the U.S.'s prison problem. Here's a look at what we're planning—and a chance to share your ideas.

by Sarah van Gelder
posted Feb 16, 2011


Ten years ago, YES! Magazine asked, "Is It Time to Close the Prisons?"

At that time, 2 million Americans were behind bars, the highest rate of imprisonment of any country in the world. There are now 2.3 million in prison, but, unlike 10 years ago, today people from all walks of life are questioning the prison system.

The summer issue of YES! Magazine will explore replacing our system of punishment, exclusion, and racial profiling with one that restores health and community, and fosters everyone's capacity to care for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Imprisoning massive numbers of people—including many thousands for drug possession, parole violation, and other victimless crimes—turns out to be an expensive failure. People in prison gain few of the skills needed to live successfully on the outside. Instead, they get lessons in crime, isolation, violence, and powerlessness. In fact, imprisoning people at this scale actually increases crime. And the system disproportionately punishes people of color and poor people, compounding the traumas of poverty and racism. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.yesmagazine.org/blogs/sarah-van-gelder/yes-we-can-reinvent-a-failed-prison-system

[xchrom]

1. yes magazine gets a lot of respect from me. nt

[MedicalAdmin]

2. I just ordered a subscription for our office waiting room.

As soon as I found out about them I had to have it.

[xchrom]

3. Good for you. That's excellent. Nt

[MedicalAdmin]

4. I'm still waiting for the first copy to arrive.

We also get "experience life," "living without", "yoga journal", "the Sun" and "back home." They are all excellent mags that have relevant info for our patients. Back home, FYI is published by the original publishers of Mother Earth - lots of good articles on how to live off the grid.

I feel that the magazines in a waiting room reflect, to a certain extent, the priorities of a company given that employees or owners order them.

[xchrom]

5. indeed. -- and it's surprising what people pick up in an environment like that. nt

[Uncle Joe]

6. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, marmar.