@mekkaokereke Adding to this, aren't there are documented instances of actual "judges" getting kickbacks from prisons for feeding them more inmates for their work programs? I can't find the link, but I am sure I read it.

We've got the built in and widespread societal stereotype that black men are "thugs" and "dangerous", and a system that profits off their labor.

Even if they get out, many get sent right back in for minor shit. Like, once in, they only know this world, what do we expect?

@mekkaokereke The US has never been a real democracy.

@mekkaokereke I agree with everything that you said except one thing: Racism is racism and it is horrible. Fascism leverages racism and other things to destroy a democracy. It is a political technique that results in an oligarchy or functional dictatorship. This is what Mussolini used it for in Italy. This is what Hitler used it for in Germany. This is what the FFOTUS Trump is trying to use it for in the United States. Other than the misuse of that term, I agree with you 100% and I wish more people knew what the U.S. state and federal governments are doing that is predatory and racist. (AND some of it is not new, it's been going on since US Civil War.)

@mekkaokereke

Thank you.

I wish more people talked about this shit.

@mekkaokereke If not for the censorship, I likely would not have sought that segment out. And I'll bet millions of other people are similarly inclined. Nice going, Bari!

@mekkaokereke this is 100% true and Americans are completely and willfully blind to it …the abuse and torture we permit in our prisons through the so called justice system is a national and eternal shame

@mekkaokereke https://archive.org/details/60minutes-cecotsegment

@mekkaokereke The justice system in the U.S is so messed up, and yes heavily biased against black people.

@mekkaokereke

In Australia, of course, we have this situation well in hand by subjecting our indigenous population to laws intended to snare them into the justice/retribution system where they are extremely likely to commit suicide or die under highly suspicious circumstances.

This system is far more expensive than any other socially and culturally appropriate intervention program but any changes would involve seeing the people now termed criminals as victims.

Furthermore cultural programs do not garner right wing votes.

The other problem, with anything other than punitive measures, is that they almost entirely lack cruelty, which is clearly at the heart of our intentions towards indigenous Australians and always has been.

In my state, Victoria, a recent law was passed making it possible for a fourteen year old child to be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Need I say more?

@mekkaokereke

Three things come to mind.

One, when I discovered the Innocence Project, it was hugely eye opening for how absurdly flawed our justice system is.

Two, when I look at places like my home Texas trying to take away or limit bail rights, it's just another way to keep innocent, and specifically poor, people bound by the system.

And three, it is a system. And it's all for profit. And they need those jails filled up.