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Adam Probolski writes this spin of the Libby commutation that turns previous Republican “logic” on its head.
Libby commutation should spark sentencing reform in CA
It’s pretty obvious that Libby is not a violent person.  The commutation of his sentence saves taxpayers money and reduces prison overcrowding.  Yet Libby will continue to be punished in other ways.
Libby’s case provides an example of how similar reform could be advanced for other nonviolent felons.ÂÂ
Of course, violent criminals should be kept locked up to serve their full sentences and probation. But if convicted criminals clearly are nonviolent. And if they can be monitored, as needed, to make sure they’re not committing crimes.  Then they and society at large would benefit from alternatives to being locked up in the slammer.
As of this year in California, of 171,000 inmates of state prisons, 86,000 are in for nonviolent crimes – just over half. And of those, 36,000 are in for drug crimes.
Yet California has space in its prisons for just 100,000 inmates. Just last week, reported the San Diego Union-Tribune, “Two federal court judges suggested Wednesday they were prepared to take steps that could lead to the early release of thousands of inmates to relieve prison overcrowding.â€Â
If even a quarter of the nonviolent prisoners were released – under proper supervision – the prison crisis could be greatly alleviated. And rather than judges acting unilaterally, the California Legislature and Governor Schwarzenegger should take preemptive action.
This is really good stuff. These “lock ’em all up” conservatives are now trying to reframe sentencing reform into an effort to reduce the prison population of non-violent felons. As I recall, these conservatives have opposed three strikes reform which would reduce the number of non-violent felons as well.
Nothing like changing your tune when it suits your needs.
Please remember to FLUSH.
[audio:flush.mp3]
Hey Chris, I have not changed my tune or position. I am respectful of our criminal justice system just not enamored by it like some of my fellow conservatives.
It is actually the classically liberal position to oppose prison for non-violent criminals. I don’t accept the taking away of liberty lightly.
Adam,
Thanks for responding. I.ve got a suggestion for Sentencing Reform.
ELIMINATE ALL MANDATORY SENTENCES.
LET THE JUDGE DECIDE.
Yeah sure, let Libby run free with an ankle bracelet. Why should there be severe consequences for crimninal behavior?
If we can get off the ever so popular “rehabilitation” concept for an instant……the threat of doing time in prison is also meant to be a DETERRANT to criminal behavior.
The ankle bracelet is, or should be a GPS locator so the Cheney can find the right foul to shoot come hunting season. After all, that really is the only way to make sure Scooter stays silent. No loose ends that way.
Geez Adam, in the eyes of Todd Spitzer, this makes you pro-criminal.