11-06-2011, 01:13 PM
James Lewis Wrote:Ah, Magda...if only. Our prison system is so deeply based on a certain Puritan ethic of punishment, that only a miracle from God would change it. Plus, that ethic combined with some of our ridiculous drug laws serves another purpose. It cleanses the voting rolls of a large group of people (mainly young Black and Hispanic males) who otherwise wouldn't wouldn't vote for the conservative ruling class that we have in power now. It's not Jim Crow, but it's damn close, and a whole lot more insidious.Yes, insidious. Odd but the Scandanavian states have also had a very austere Lutheran history not unlike Puritan England/US. Such different outcomes though.
I think the key section is this:
Quote:Finland, a relatively classless culture with a Scandinavian belief in the benevolence of the state and a trust in its civic institutions, is something of a laboratory for gentle justice. The kinds of economic and social disparities that can produce violence don't exist in Finland's welfare state society, street crime is low, and law enforcement officials can count on support from an uncynical public.
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." Karl Marx
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.