Although this is a serious subject, I cannot help but get a chuckle when Aunty M comes off as the bleeding heart liberal in a discussion.

As far as this 3-strikes criminal, if his 3 crimes are purse snatching from old ladies, that's an easy one in Salmo's justice system: kill him. Even if he can be rehabilitated, why should we bother? A well balanced justice system contains a good measure of both Old and New Testament revenge and compassion.

Having ample prison space should never be a problem. The problems are the laws requiring resorts for prisons. A really good prison should consist of a large 80' deep hole in the ground with no cover and the upper perimeter surrounded by razor wire. It would be crowded, dangerous, and when it wasn't either of those, it would be damned uncomfortable. If all prisons were like that, it wouldn't be unusual nor cruel unless they were being horsewhipped while in the hole. Vocational training and opportunity and education should be options earned for good behavior in the hole. Everyone sentenced goes in the hole until they demonstrate it's worthwhile for society to provide them with education and vocational opportunity.

And the surest cure for recidivism is to kill repeat offenders. It's the positive deterrent to a continued life of crime.

Oh, and in case this description is too vague, horse theft should still be a capitol crime, along with gang membership - I'm sick of their fvcking graffiti everywhere. Anybody flashing gang signs should simply be shot on sight, improving the efficiency of the justice system.

How's that from this liberal?

Sg