Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Bad Dreams - And A Call To Arms

I had the worst nightmare last night. Somehow in my dream I had shoplifted a pair of sneakers and for that I was sentenced to two weeks in county lockup. Now, in real terms, two weeks is a long, long time to be incarcerated, but in prison terms, it's nothing. US penal guidelines lay out longer sentences for every offense than do our Western democracy confreres. There are people doing decades of prison time for non-violent crimes. And what does it say about our society, that when we lock up people, they are further victimized? How can prison have any sort of palliative effect when a shoplifter (etc) is held in the same detention units as murderers and rapists and plain old criminals who love hurting people? We owe these prisoners more. It's wrong, it's morally shameful, and it should stop. Go to this group, Stop Prisoner Rape, and see if you can lend some assistance.
Sweden Kicking Ass - Again

Sweden aims to become oil-free by 2020. Read this, and all articles on Positive News.org. Sweden already gets 26% of its energy from renewable (non-oil) sources. They are ending their addiction, a great example to follow.
Libya: Time Out Is Over

The US is re-establishing diplomatic relations with Libya. That's right, Libya. Everyone should look up details on PanAm Flight 103 that blew up mid-air over Lockerbie, Scotland. Then get back to me and tell me Libya deserves to be part of the international community again. The saddest thing is that Qaddafi is still in power, and if the World Court is correct in finding that two Libyan agents caused those hundreds of deaths, it's also correct to say that Qaddafi ordered it. Another oil-rich despot with blood on his hands, and we're eager to begin shaking those bloody fingers. Disgusting.