We are in desperate need of clear thinking on this topic. Beyond the people cost of incarceration of those who should be in treatment programs, there is the cost to the rest of us of building and operating prisons. In CA we have a billion dollar prison construction bond. A federal judge plans to grab billions from the state to reduce prison overcrowding. The prison guards union is the biggest lobbying/corrupting group in the state.
Perhaps it's more about de-politization than clearer thinking. Sounds like some intelligent moves have been made here, but just for political or financial gain.
