Cost of Harvard vs Prison: Who's Winning?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparative costs of attending Harvard University versus housing a prisoner in the California penal system. Participants explore implications of these costs on societal issues such as crime, education, and legislative approaches to lawmaking.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the cost of attending Harvard and housing a prisoner are similar, suggesting a potential justification for reallocating resources towards education.
  • There are proposals for reducing the prison population, including suggestions for gun control and fewer laws, with some arguing that excessive laws contribute to higher incarceration rates.
  • One participant humorously suggests sending criminals to Harvard, while others discuss the implications of such a move.
  • Concerns are raised about the financial interests tied to the prison system, including for-profit prisons and related industries, which may influence incarceration rates.
  • Some participants argue that the death penalty could be considered a more humane option due to the costs and conditions within prisons, while others challenge the reliability of the justice system.
  • There are repeated calls for fewer laws, with one participant proposing a system where new laws require the removal of existing ones, although this idea is met with skepticism regarding its practicality.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of current laws and the implications of legislative changes on crime rates and societal behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the implications of the costs of education versus incarceration, with no clear consensus on solutions or the effectiveness of proposed ideas. Disagreements exist regarding the death penalty, the role of laws, and the motivations behind the prison system.

Contextual Notes

Some arguments depend on assumptions about the effectiveness of laws and the motivations behind incarceration rates, which remain unresolved. The discussion includes speculative ideas about legislative reform and societal implications without definitive conclusions.

  • #31
jimmysnyder, how about a point system that legislature could be allotted to spend on each law they write. Say, 1 point for each word of a law, with 1000 points to spend. And bonus points awarded for especially effective laws and voter confidence.

Should come up with a spinner, too.
 
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  • #32
Yeah, kill off all them lousy pot smokers and jay walkers. That will make this a much better nation. The good news is that your prison population will decline. The bad news is that your murder rate will drastically increase. But at least it might save a few dollars.
 
  • #33
Huckleberry said:
Yeah, kill off all them lousy pot smokers and jay walkers. That will make this a much better nation. The good news is that your prison population will decline. The bad news is that your murder rate will drastically increase. But at least it might save a few dollars.
Now wait a minute, are you saying that pot smokers and jay walkers prevent murder? :bugeye:
 
  • #34
Evo said:
Now wait a minute, are you saying that pot smokers and jay walkers prevent murder? :bugeye:
If you killed off the jay-walkers in Phila., there wouldn't be anyone left except murderers. The murder rate would go way up, but only for a short while. After that it would be peace and quiet. I'm in.
 
  • #35
Perhaps this is why the prisons are full

(AP) A Missouri man could potentially face a 30-year prison sentence for stealing a doughnut from a store.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/07/national/main3340068.shtml

Maybe he should just be executed instead :rolleyes:
 
  • #36
Art said:
Perhaps this is why the prisons are full

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/07/national/main3340068.shtml

Maybe he should just be executed instead :rolleyes:
Based on prior arrests, it's definitely a death sentence.

People are missing the point. It is not about the doughnut.

County Prosecutor Wendy Wexler Horn
 
  • #37
My father when asked if he thought OJ Simpson was guilty responded, "I think it's a shame what it costs to prove your innocence these days."

Get rid of victimless crimes.
 

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