Agree w/ everything (including the conflicted opinions) but: Think that punishment is only just if that's the treatment that corrects the views/behaviors of the punished. If not, isn't it just glorified revenge? Not saying that I have a viable alternative to rough prison terms, but it still doesn't feel like justice. There was a piece a couple(?) years ago about Anders Breivik, how he's being held under conditions so humane they almost seem like a joke. Really mad when I read about it the first time, but the more I think about it, the more incredible it feels to me- to meet such seething hatred with such care and consideration. Seems like the ultimate refutation to all that he stood for.If you are guilty of murder, rape or any other heinous crime then I think you ought to do HARD time.
Let me preface this response by saying... damn I'm tired and have to go to bed, but these conversations are damned fun to have and thus I'm up way past my bedtime. But "yes" it is revenge at a point. "Hard time" is certainly subjective but it's the opposite of "soft time" in which inmates watch movies, tv, play games etc. Guess what? You rape and kill people and you no longer get such pleasures in life. Are you chained to a wall and whipped? No. But you're not watching Breaking Bad etc either. It has to hurt some or it's no deterrent at all. It's not a punishment. Your a dad, you get that the minute the punishment doesn't fit the crime, they'll start sneaking food from the fringe all day long... Good night pal.
Hah, I'll respond tomorrow and give you a chance to get some shuteye.
Haven't forgotten about this just been swamped. Reminder more for my own sake...