I know this recession is turning into the great depression, but where’s your Holiday spirit?
December 20, 2009
October 28, 2008
Dear John McCain, can you define winning (in Iraq) for me?
“Have you ever heard the word `victory’ pass through Obama’s lips?” McCain asked backers. “My friends, we’re winning in Iraq.” We must have heard “we’re winning in Iraq” from John McCain dozens of times in the last few months. But really, John, are we winning in Iraq. Really? Really???
(McCain most recently delivered this message in Fayetteville, N.C., a battleground with a big military presence, like nearby Fort Bragg.)
I have so many questions for John McCain, but I thought a Republican or at least a fan of the IRAQ War might stop by here and explain me how we’re winning, exactly?
- Is winning the part when we spend over $550 Billion on a war the American People feel we shouldn’t be fighting? This could amass to over $2 Trillion in debt. No, that can’t be it.
- Or is winning the part where we’re running up debt by having to pay the medical bills of returning soldiers? That could be another $500 Billion right there. So, no, that can’t be it.
- Oh I know, it’s the part where what’s left of our soldiers in Iraq send our sons and daughters home in a box? Over 5,000 of our soldiers and contractors have been killed already John.
So, by your definition, is winning the part when we get out of Iraq with trillions in debt and (if we’re lucky) less lives lost than ‘nam?
If that’s the case, you know, I think I’m going to vote for “calling it even” in Iraq. Let’s quit while we’re ahead John. That’s what Barack Obama wants to do. I know where my vote is going November 4th.
March 24, 2008
1% of US adults in Jail. Chance of getting in? 1 in 15,000.
This photo of a supposed drug deal from Google Maps reminded me of something I wanted to blog about over the weekend. I actually wanted to discuss it with a few friends, but this seems easier so to the 3 of you that read this blog, here goes.
I guess I was an accidental-hipster on Sunday morning and found myself listening to NPR as I made my way to Barefoot Coffee to kick-off my first meal of the day. Normally I’d have my iPOD w/ me, but I think I left it in my messenger bag (another hipster accessory, or so I’ve heard). Though not my usual assortment of music for 15 year-olds, NPR would have to do.
The program I came upon was called Anti-Drug Program Tackles Open-Air Markets it explained how one community in Long Island is dealing with drug dealers using uncommon practices and achieving fantastic results. It explained how only 1 in 15,000 cocaine transactions ever ends up resulting in jail time. Communities overrun with open air drug markets needed to change the odds. It turns out you don’t have to throw a guy in jail to get him to stop dealing, you just have to show him video proof that you know what he’s up to and let him know if he doesn’t stop there his chance of getting jailed is 100%. 12 out of 13 “caught” chose career services and more to get them going the right direction.
That’s when I remembered something I read on Friday. A new study of US prisons has found that numbers of people in jail are at an all-time high, with more than 1% of the adult population behind bars. “While one in 30 men between the ages of 20 and 34 is behind bars, for black males in that age group the figure is one in nine…The total of 2.3 million adults held in prison – or one in every 99.1 adults – puts the US far head of other countries.” All this incarceration costs US states $49 Billion last year. Over half of those incarcerated aren’t being jailed for violent crime, either.
It makes me ill to think that this is supposed to be one of the greatest countries in the world and yet our jails are bulging at the seams w/ purse snatchers and money embezzlers. What a waste of time, money, opportunity — and human life. Isn’t there a better way for those who choose the wrong path to pay their debts to society? Better yet, can’t we turn these people around?
How do our presidential candidates stand on prison policy? and the War on Drugs? This seems like it should be clear-cut, but I’m having a hard time finding a clear answer. Prison policy is widely ignored besides the occasional slew of statistics thrown about in the media. All the while our prison system has swallowed more than it’s share of the undeserving while innocent taxpayers float the tab. I for one am hopeful to see Obama and others step up and start paying attention to this as their campaigns evolve in ‘08.
PS:
When I saw that picture of the crack deal caught live on Google Maps it came together for me. Google is so busy saving us from the FCC and our energy problems while they fly us to the moon, I thought to myself this is a chance for them to do something good with all that money, PR and Political influence. With enough volunteer neighborhoods, cameras and vans pointed at the right people we’ll all be model citizens in no time. I’m sure the chance to improve society and save taxpayers $50B/year must be enticing enough for someones “20% time.”
How about it, guys?