Comments on: Prisons Need To Be Government Operated

By: Zippo

Zippo — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 17:03:36 +0000

Government out of control with a very stupid public economics policy: We have too many people in prisons that never needed to be entered into the system to start with. Overzealous policing/courts and unreasonable punishment for minor crimes of the young followed by a crooked system like the Ada Co. probation which never stops harassing them. These people become unproductive forever over something as minor as an open container citation.

Policing and prison systems have become a huge business for government and the private sector. Go look up some statistic on America vs. anyone else to see how we are locking up way too many people just so our police and prison systems can have larger and larger budgets and payroll.

By: No Brainer

No Brainer — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 15:45:35 +0000

I don’t believe per se inmates are being held in the system longer just to get more federal money. There are more than enough people who need their turn in a prison who never make it there because there is not enough room. What I do believe is what facilities that do exist are underfunded by Libertarian Tea Party types who think big business is the answer to everything. These same jugheads are the ones who will not look at who really needs to be in prison and who would better serve in a program.

They think saving money at all costs is the answer to everything regardless of the fact they are creating an inhumane environment I wouldn’t let my worst enemy be housed in. The “fluff” they cut out is usually the needed programs that help rehabilitate and reduce recidivism. Incarceration alone never works. Incarceration serves two purposes. Punishment and protection of the public.

As a punishment tool, there is a limit to it’s effectiveness. In a county jail for instance, studies have shown the shock and awe part of being jailed for a first time offender wears off after about 14 days then actually starts becoming counterproductive. Not everyone jailed needs to be there for the protection of society part. There are some who are dangerous but most are not. Give them their 1-14 days of punishment and then transfer them into a program. Oh wait, we cut that part out to make our Libertarian leaning governors friends happy. So we are left with what again? Oh yeah, Punish, punish, punish. Build more no fluff program prisons so my rich friends can get richer.

By: Deb

Deb — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 20:24:53 +0000

That is a good question No Brainer. Our Govenor jumped on the band wagon to bring CCA/ICC on however he also received funds for his campaign in exchange. This of course lead to Stockholders within our system. Like our economy it seems to be crashing currently. IDOC cuts the cost and boast on how they have reduced an inmate’s meals from $2.21 per day to .81 cents. Limited Medical inside are reduced as well. Then we ask how many of these inmates have families on Welfare all due to the extended Stays of inmates whom aren’t being released timely for Federal Funding. Health and Welfare needs to step up to the plate as well with all the facilities.

By: No Brainer

No Brainer — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 20:57:19 +0000

This is what happens when businessmen get the idea you can run government like a business and the ill begotten belief they can save money by privatizing something takes hold.

Bottom line, government does not produce a product. They provide certain constitutionally mandated services. When you privatize something, some jug-head Libertarian will try to measure performance by comparing profit vs loss. When they realize there is no profit, they will try to create profit by cutting out everything they can to increase their profitability.

Funny but where were all these arguments against privatization years ago when this moronic idea was presented the first time? It’s time the Republican party took responsibility for this mess, and kicks out the tea party libertarian influence that has corrupted it now for some time.

By: tom

tom — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 23:12:34 +0000

lol… after how long in what was supposed to be a limited term… 4 years if memory serves me right….

By: Deb

Deb — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 22:25:59 +0000

It is understood the queen is ending her term at the end of the year. We will see.
As to staff and administrators at ICC and many at IDOC – many have records themselves. They hire for less wages but do hold employment. The good doctor at ICC is not even allow to practice in any medical facility here other than a men’s facility. 2011 he was hired by ICC.
Perhaps with this review they will stop having their spendy meetings in Sun Valley so more of the Public can be aware of What’s Up!

By: tom

tom — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 22:04:58 +0000

yup.. but you brought it up….

By: tom

tom — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 21:37:11 +0000

The main reason is that people are afraid of their shadow today. Not only that but when some one does something to even get county jail they are almost assured not to get a job afterward. Until the system that has been begged for for years gets a revamp we are doomed…. There’s an old say about doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome…. As to the parole thing… the queen is known to be just about as crooked as they come.

By: Rod in SE Boise

Rod in SE Boise — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 21:35:29 +0000

tom, that’s an altogether different issue.

By: tom

tom — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 21:24:14 +0000

LOL…. but would the govt employee have done the right thing like Snowden did?