Mindblowing Stats from the "Land of the Free"

[Amianthus]

GIVE ME A BREAK.  Get real.

I don't believe you've provided any sort of statistical evidence to back your claim. You may have presented a few anecdotal cases in the past, but they are insufficient to overcome my doubts.

Therefore, I find my explanation satisfactory and complete under Occam's Razor.

Once you've provided some statistical evidence to the contrary, I'll reconsider my opinion.

[Michael Tee]

<<Therefore, I find my explanation satisfactory and complete under Occam's Razor.>>

That's ludicrous.  Even under Occam's Razor, the simplest explanation would be that, America having demonstrated no leader-of-the-pack top ranking in catching and convicting criminals, (which in fact is strongly contra-indicated by the factors of presumption of innocence, reasonable doubt and Constitutional rights) the higher incarceration rates could only be due to either (a) higher crime rates or (b) longer and harsher sentencing. 

[Brassmask]

What a strange statement. I would bet that far less than half of those who rob 7-11's have a clue who their state rep is, or their congressman.

One would also expect crime would be skyrocketing in blue states since they would be more upset with allegations of criminal activity by the current administration.

Correct me if I'm wrong but is suspect you were just employing a rhetorical device .

I was thinking more along the lines of the "president" and nearly every one of his cabinet members.

[BT]

I was thinking more along the lines of the "president" and nearly every one of his cabinet member

I understood your rhetorical device. I just don't buy the causal relationship.

[Xavier_Onassis]

We don't catch criminals better than they do in most other places.

People who have lived in Japan tell me that when you report a robbery there, there is a high probability that, not only will they catch the thief, but even that you will get your stuff back. Here, you get a copy of a report to file for your insurance.

We have more people in jails and prisons because we lock people up more often, and when we do, we lock them up for a longer period. We tend to have a higher recidivism rate, and we lock them up more often, too.

[Brassmask]

I was thinking more along the lines of the "president" and nearly every one of his cabinet member

I understood your rhetorical device. I just don't buy the causal relationship.

It could be extended to celebrities, local politicians and so forth.

[BT]

I still don't buy it. People are more influenced by their peers than anyone they see on teevee.

[Xavier_Onassis]

Perhaps we should turn capital offenses into a primetime TV reality show. They could show the most entertaining parts of the trial, and at the end of the show, they could have an actual execution. Even though hanging and firing squad perhaps make better TV, they could do a dramatic intravenous poison drip sequence, if they used the right lighting and musical accompaniment.

Some of the revenues from the show could be used as recompense for the victims' families.

[Brassmask]

I still don't buy it. People are more influenced by their peers than anyone they see on teevee.

Pardon my guffaw.

[BT]

Pardon my guffaw.

You disagree?

Please elaborate.