The Guardian on Underage Lifers

I wonder if the U.S. is ever going to outgrow its we're-so-tough approach to law and order. The prison system in this country is just so monumentally fucked up. Everyone, even the cowboys out there, has to realize just how bad it is, but anyone who espouses reform is committing political suicide by running the risk of being labeled soft on crime.

The link is to an article in the Guardian (trust a British paper to point out what a third-world bunch of mouth breathers we are) about Michigan prisoners who were dealt life sentences while still not being able to buy a drink in a pub. Despite it being the Guardian (how reputable is it?), it's really damning. As a general rule, I've got a pretty positive outlook on life and humanity, but this shit brings out the inner pessimist.

Link