[Wallace T.]

An environment where some miscreant receives some degree of creature comforts after conviction for heinous crimes is not a "calm, impartial legal system," but rather one that fails to punish convicted criminals out of concern for their "civil rights," which should have been forfeited upon their conviction and sentence. The victim receives no compensation for the injuries or property lost. In many cases, the victim will be sorting out his problems over his lifetime even as the criminal can build his strength through decent food and exercise and perhaps improve his "job skills" through learning from other criminals. After his sentence is complete, the released felon can return to preying on society.

This nation was far better off when physically fit convicts were required to do hard labor on road crews, construction sites, and farms. Up until the 1960s, the Texas state prison system was self-sustaining because of the proceeds from crops and prison industries. There is no good reason, other than protecting their "civil rights," why this could not be the case again. Let the criminals lift dirt with shovels, rather than lift barbells, and chop wood rather than play basketball.

[Modernman]

This nation was far better off when physically fit convicts were required to do hard labor on road crews, construction sites, and farms. Up until the 1960s, the Texas state prison system was self-sustaining because of the proceeds from crops and prison industries. There is no good reason, other than protecting their "civil rights," why this could not be the case again. Let the criminals lift dirt with shovels, rather than lift barbells, and chop wood rather than play basketball.

You'll get no argument from me. Our prisons should not be cruel, but that does not mean they need to be anywhere near as pleasant as they are now. Any sort of amenities, such as TV's and recreational sports, should only be provided as a reward for convicts who fulfill certain requirements.

All able-bodied convicts should be required to put in a full work-day performing hard labor.

[HostileTerritory]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the Attica prison riots were a response to bad conditions and things were made better for the safety of the people who have to work with convicts.