Things piss me off. Lots of things. Not just some things, but these days- most things. For one of my classes, I'm tasked to keep a journal of musings and thoughts. Through this, though my major is pysch, I'm halfway considering working in politics. I am just not sure that I could stomach it. I do know enough of myself that if I made it to Washington, I wouldn't bend and break like so many who go there hoping for reform and to shake things down. At any rate, I don't even know where to begin to get involved in the Machine. I do have a couple of ideas I've been rolling around of late. Comments appreciated.
- MY first proposal is one I came upon just the other day. My significant other was telling me about something she had seen on T.V about a woman trying to get into prison because it would be a better situation then she was currently in. She would have three square meals, television, and lots of "quiet time" to write her book. This led me to an idea for prison reform. I think that most Americans are tired of fronting the money through their taxes to pay for prisoners to live the way they often do. I know that there are some extremely tough prisons, one in Arizona comes to mind though I can't recall the name. But, for the most part, prison is not what it used to be. Weight rooms, libraries, outside free time- inmates can even get college degrees!! Who pays for this? We do! Someone invades me home and robs me, and I end up paying for him to have congical visits and internet access? This isn't right.
Not to mention I think most of us are offended by the revolving door method of prison, where repeat offenders are just in-and-out. Wash, rinse, repeat. Nothing gets done and victims keep piling up while we keep paying for it.
My solution? I say that all the food, water, electricity, etc that is used by an inmate is placed on their tab. A running tab is kept for the prisoner's entire sentence. If they cannot pay their tab when released, the tab and burden is placed on the criminal's immediate family. That's right, Mister Gangbanger! You've got so much respect for your 'Momma that now you've pushed her into Chapter 11! If they have no living immediate family, it is passed to next of kin. Taxpayers/victims shouldn't pay one red cent for criminals luxuries, nor should they be burdened for their imprisonment.
Now, some people serving really long terms or who have backbone/conscience at all may not wish to place the fianancial burden on their families. In this case, they may work, at minimum wage, to reduce their debt during their incarceration. This can be worked off through cleaning of the prison, manual labor, etc. Full time (40 hrs) is expected to be put in. The bottom line is that no more free-ride prisons that are better than life on the street. Criminals who commit crimes should be doublely punished with incarceration and then also the BILL for their imprisonment. This is added incentive to NOT go to jail and place your familiy in debt because of it.
- All of our "leaders" in Washington have their heads firmly inside of their colons. This point really can't be countered. Even on a state level, a bill is being passed for a 10% raise. People in power are voting on whether or not they deserve more money. Hmm, gee...I wonder which way that vote will go? This practice alone seems illegal to me. No one who is a public/civil servent should be incharge of their pay. This brings me to my other mute rambling. Anyone who occupies a public office like President, Congrees, State Rep, etc should be making no more than the federal minimum wage. That's right, Mr. President! I don't care how rich your family is! For the next four years, you're making (non-salaried) 6.50 an hour! Haha, you too Kennedy. I bet you'll quickly be switching to Milwaukie's Best Light Beer-like product, shant you??
This would ensure that people who are in those positions truly are there because they want to help America- NOT because they're making six figures and can get great insider trading benefits (psh!). Also, I think when the guys in Washington aren't quite pulling in fifteen G's, well, maybe their agenda's would change! All of a sudden we might get that minimum wage raised to a genuine LIVING WAGE. All of a sudden the affairs of the Middle East and the rest of the world may be put into proper focus, and suddenly- maybe they would start doing what is really best for America.
All things considered, if the office of the President paid 6.50 an hour...I would still run for it. That says something....something....tasty?
- MY first proposal is one I came upon just the other day. My significant other was telling me about something she had seen on T.V about a woman trying to get into prison because it would be a better situation then she was currently in. She would have three square meals, television, and lots of "quiet time" to write her book. This led me to an idea for prison reform. I think that most Americans are tired of fronting the money through their taxes to pay for prisoners to live the way they often do. I know that there are some extremely tough prisons, one in Arizona comes to mind though I can't recall the name. But, for the most part, prison is not what it used to be. Weight rooms, libraries, outside free time- inmates can even get college degrees!! Who pays for this? We do! Someone invades me home and robs me, and I end up paying for him to have congical visits and internet access? This isn't right.
Not to mention I think most of us are offended by the revolving door method of prison, where repeat offenders are just in-and-out. Wash, rinse, repeat. Nothing gets done and victims keep piling up while we keep paying for it.
My solution? I say that all the food, water, electricity, etc that is used by an inmate is placed on their tab. A running tab is kept for the prisoner's entire sentence. If they cannot pay their tab when released, the tab and burden is placed on the criminal's immediate family. That's right, Mister Gangbanger! You've got so much respect for your 'Momma that now you've pushed her into Chapter 11! If they have no living immediate family, it is passed to next of kin. Taxpayers/victims shouldn't pay one red cent for criminals luxuries, nor should they be burdened for their imprisonment.
Now, some people serving really long terms or who have backbone/conscience at all may not wish to place the fianancial burden on their families. In this case, they may work, at minimum wage, to reduce their debt during their incarceration. This can be worked off through cleaning of the prison, manual labor, etc. Full time (40 hrs) is expected to be put in. The bottom line is that no more free-ride prisons that are better than life on the street. Criminals who commit crimes should be doublely punished with incarceration and then also the BILL for their imprisonment. This is added incentive to NOT go to jail and place your familiy in debt because of it.
- All of our "leaders" in Washington have their heads firmly inside of their colons. This point really can't be countered. Even on a state level, a bill is being passed for a 10% raise. People in power are voting on whether or not they deserve more money. Hmm, gee...I wonder which way that vote will go? This practice alone seems illegal to me. No one who is a public/civil servent should be incharge of their pay. This brings me to my other mute rambling. Anyone who occupies a public office like President, Congrees, State Rep, etc should be making no more than the federal minimum wage. That's right, Mr. President! I don't care how rich your family is! For the next four years, you're making (non-salaried) 6.50 an hour! Haha, you too Kennedy. I bet you'll quickly be switching to Milwaukie's Best Light Beer-like product, shant you??
This would ensure that people who are in those positions truly are there because they want to help America- NOT because they're making six figures and can get great insider trading benefits (psh!). Also, I think when the guys in Washington aren't quite pulling in fifteen G's, well, maybe their agenda's would change! All of a sudden we might get that minimum wage raised to a genuine LIVING WAGE. All of a sudden the affairs of the Middle East and the rest of the world may be put into proper focus, and suddenly- maybe they would start doing what is really best for America.
All things considered, if the office of the President paid 6.50 an hour...I would still run for it. That says something....something....tasty?
