undefined | Better HN

0 pointsjhancock17y ago0 comments

We should count the number of prisoners as an extra hardship on our economy. There is the cost of keeping them in prison, the cost of when they get out, the cost of the children they have but are not raising.

0 comments

2 comments · 1 top-level

thomasmallen17y ago· 1 in thread

Count yourself as one of the ones putting them in prison. For the public, it's not a hardship, but rather, an investment. Now, undoubtedly, destructive crime adversely affects the economy and community stability. Let's just hope that those in prison truly threaten enough harm to warrant the investment, or else we're wasting our money (It's always "ours" until you find yourself on the other side, right?) while severely damaging lives of others, such as the children you mentioned.

jhancockOP17y ago

There is a more complex breakdown that what you suggest: "For the public, it's not a hardship, but rather, an investment."

For some of the prisoners, for some of the public, its an investment. For some of this same public, some of the other prisoners, it is a hardship. For some other part of the public, the breakdown is different.

The prison issue should eventually come into focus as the complex problem it is. Up to now its not talked about enough for most (including myself) to have a clear opinion.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse