Re: Legislative Action 3/10

[Ken Medlin <dev-plan@moscow.com>]

>Currently, 70% of inmates who are released  from Idaho's prison reportedly 
>end up back in prison.  
Gary:  This is the same statistic that held for Federal inmates some 25 
years ago in Michigan, where I did volunteer counseling at a prison 
there. Such data certainly indicate that the "treatment" we give to those 
who violate the laws does very little rehab and does not bring about new 
values, goals, behaviors, etc.  Hence, except for keeping deviant people 
off the street, our investments produce very poor returns. Study after 
study reports such findidngs. Why does govt. continue to beat a dead 
horse? Why not inform the electorate about the failures of the present 
system and encourage all interested parties to cooperate in pursuit of 
alternatives? Why throw money away?
   These are easy questions that defy perfect answers. In some parts of 
the "deep South", they've brought back the chain gang in striped suits! 
Wonderful progress recalling the punitive cultures of the past.  Why not 
have a task force examine the alternatives, both here and abroad, and 
make some new recommendations?  Thanks for your good report on what goes 
on at State house.  Ken M.

------------------------
William K. Medlin
Dev-plan associates
930 Kenneth Street
Moscow ID 83843
208/892-0148
dev-plan@moscow.com