This beast costs America $228 billion a year

Our prison system is a beast, gobbling resources that should be going to communities. Watch this video to find out why. Then get involved at http://beyondbars.org.

This video was done in partnership with the ACLU, Equal Justice Initiative, All of Us or None, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, NAACP, A New Way of Life, Families Against Mandatory Minimums, Justice Policy Institute, Drug Policy Alliance, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, the United Methodist Church, Justice Fellowship, and Partnership for Safety and Justice.

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[vutube379]

I've never voted Republican, but even blue dog Democrats can be very dangerous and the only choice on the ticket for many states like mine. I find it rather amazing how once in office, there is no communication either by phone or email except for automated responses it seems.

[Cj Brenner]

If you havent been to prison, then you have no real concept of what it truly is. The media (movies & tv) has you all convinced of this stereotype. This animation is true in fact, and represents how tax dollars are being misappropriated. The more severe issue is how the privatization of the prison system is locking up people for profits and lobbied for by your elected officials who some of which have holdings in such corporations. Have to keep the prisons full, because now its big business. 

[katherinc]

I was wrongfully convicted. I had no priors. I stopped pay on an overpaid check to a bad unlicensed contractor in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I overpaid him, and asked that he return the check for a new one he refused i stopped pay. He remove the money from my account electronically. i reported it to my bank, they apologized and but the money back into my account I held the money anticipating compromise, or civil court. He filed criminal charges. No investigation, I was convicted..

[emayhazing1]

Democrats Republicans all the same 

[Michael Mantion]

LOL Just watched a special on Meth. One man blown up in a meth fire cost the hospital 1 million medical care and will cost another 1 million in future care. So that's 2 million for one "non-violent" criminal who wasn't locked up. If those 2.3 million people did 2 million in damage to them selves or others that would be 4.6 trillion dollar or 20 years of incarceration. I think we need to cut cost and put more people in jail for longer.

[1965AkJonny]

The prison system is big business, there is no rehabilitation and a minimal of programs for prisoners because they want return "customers". It's just a place to stock pile people for big bucks.

[Acecool444]

It's no wonder America is failing. We have too many whiners/complainers/egocentric argumentative finger pointing morons (Dunning/Kruger Effect), but hardly anyone to step up and find solutions. I have! READ THEM!

[Acecool444]

Incarcerating someone for breaking the law, no court system nor prison should ever have the soul power or right to imprison anyone beyond what the state/federal law requires.

Constitutional Bill Of Rights

# 8 = Excessive bail, cruel punishment

"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."

Sounds like a law suit to me.

[Acecool444]

Give it up already you relentless idiot. Just the fact you're an overly opinionated bumbling idiot gives me the credentials to say you're not qualified. I've already made my points so figure it out from there. You have an opinion, state it! but please already, leave me the fuck alone! Early Release with saved earnings from helping rebuild local America's infrastructure (also on the job training). Relieves Tax Payers the burden of paying for it all.

[TheSuese]

If you want to debate you will have to answer my question directly. What makes you qualified to debate? What are you credentials? What things have you achieved that make you stand out above the rest of the "morons" who debate things on YouTube? Enlighten me so I can be a moron no longer. Humour me if you will.