Quote Originally Posted by BlAzInIt4:20
A prison system can be effective if set up correctly. Look at Russia, nobody wants to go to jail there . If they were better off financially as a nation I think they'd see much lower crime rates.

Coming from California, however, I can tell you our prison system is a joke. Many people look forward to getting into prison because its easier than being on the streets. They are well fed, they often get access to books, televisions, games, and even sports rec leagues and such. Their medical is fully covered by the state and there isnt any real back breaking work to be done other than fighting off your prison mate when he's feelin 'the need'.
I guess you have never been to the California Dept Of Corrections then because you are talking out the side of your neck.
Since 1997 inmates that have money on their books have to pay for the doctor visits. {Thank you Pete Wilson}
Yes, there is access to books television and games, the sports is a little out there man unless you count excersize.
If you want money on yur books in the CDC system and you do not have family or friends supplying that moneyfrom the outside, you have to get a job that pays for your labor. It does not pay much but, it is money for work rendered.
97% of the people that walk out the prison gate are going back, some maybe for good.
I am one of the 3% that made it and will not be going back to prison because the system worked for me, it made me realize that existence behind the walls sucks ass and there had to be a better way and I have been out of prison since 1999 and off of parole since January 19th 2000.
The reason I am in that 3% is because I am also in the 3% of drug addicts that have made it. If one does not drink and do drugs, chances are he will not be going to prison anytime soon. 90% of the inmates in the CDC prison system are in there because of drug related crimes, the other 10% are real criminals that have no chance of ever pulling their head out of their asses and belong in prison.
Does the prison system work? In a way yes and in a way no. It works for storing those criminals off of our streets but does it change the person into a contributing member of society? No, it makes them worse.