What now I have to produce data to back up my claims? ;-) Look it up in the archives from the last time around. I am too lazy. Try this new Wolfram Alpha thing, everyone loves it!
Sheldon writes:
> Nobody's "pro-prison", or at least I am not. I am actually quite
> supporttive of radical prison and judicial system reform. I just
> think it far too simple to say lets abolish all prisons.
Far too simple is how you fight the weight of the status quo, IMHO! That, and by calling your opponents "pro-prison".
Chris continues:
> For one thing, abolishing prisons is not what they really want to
> do. In fact, they are reformists. "Abolish prisons!" just sounds
> sexier, and lets you link yourself with the abolitionist movement
> (which was actually trying to abolish something).
I think of "abolish prisons" as the necessary antidote to any sophistry (by which word I mean no insult to the sophists, just using it because it has become established -- maybe I should instead say platonistry?) that dances around the real nature of the prison system and ecosystem. Come on my man... you can see through things clearer than most! Don't get caught up in arguing words.
--ravi