US Prison Population- 2.03 Million and Growing

[sintax]

The highest rate per capita in the world at 701 per 100,000.

Russia takes the silver medal at 606 per 100,000.

www.straightdope.com/columns/040206.html

[harlinchi]

1. Any racial breakdowns available?

That would show where the war on drugs is being fought! I betcha our leaders said,at one time, "Hey let's fight the war on drugs in those neighborhoods so we don't have to fight it in ours!"

[sintax]

3. Racial breakdowns

are revealing and appalling. Don't have them at hand but we know who is doing the time, the impoverished which means mostly black and brown skinned folks.

America refuses to deal with the race issue as a power and economic relationship. Just half-hearted "programs" and "charity".

[harlinchi]

5. And the programs and charity is and was targeted!

Of the billions spent on the war on poverty, how much do you think reached the hands of the so-called targets? How much was spent on administration and waste programs to enrich specific companies?

[sintax]

7. So Little

Just crumbs for the hungry.

Grass roots Movement necessary

Most NGO's Soon get absorbed into the sinkhole of Admin. waste and coopted by the system.

[ClintonTyree]

2. I can think of a few more that SHOULD be behind bars....

the entire bush administration for a start, then quickly heading to the CEOs, CFOs etc. of many multinational corporations that have raped the land, the Treasury and such. Hey, it's a start.

[sintax]

4. Here Here

Put those folks in the clink and many who should be out would be provided opportunities with a newly structured society.

Perchance to dream...

[im10ashus]

6. Is that including Gitmo and Abu G? n/t

[DBoon]

8. The USA is Number 1!!!!

while our rankings have been declining over the last 30 years in lifespan (#1 to #23) and upward mobility (at the bottom of the industrialized world), we have finally found something we excel in!

That and executions, and having the highest spending on military and...