Slashdot Mirror
All Games Banned From MO Prisons
A while back we mentioned that Missouri pulled violent games from prisons on the basis that hardened criminals shouldn't be practicing their sharpshooting technique. Now, the new governor has removed all video games from the MO prison system. From the AP story: "Blunt, a Republican who took office two weeks ago, called video games 'a luxury that inmates should not be allowed to enjoy.'"
Looking for a new bill co-signed by State Legislator Doobie.
Don't blame Durga. I voted for Centauri.
While I understand that inmates deserve some rights (despite their lack of liberty), I think this is a step in the right directions. Let's try actually _educating_ those that need it. Without video games and TV, maybe inmates will have to resort to... reading. If you haven't graduated high school, I think that a program to help you earn your GED would be particularly helpful.
Instead of encouraging the downward spiral of crime, let's give people skills to use if they wish to fix their ways.
Blunt, a Republican...
Was it really necessary or worthwhile to label him a Republican in the AP article? I'm not necessarily saying there's an obvious bias, but would the author have included this statement had he been a Democrat? Politics have nothing to do with this story at all.
--trb
From TFA:
In prison, inmates should "pick up skills and abilities that will allow them to go back out into society and be productive citizens," Blunt said. "Playing video games doesn't have anything to do with either of those objectives."
Are you kidding? Confined to constricted areas for entire years. Limited interpersonal action creating a sociopath. Far, far too much free time on their hands. Die hard video game players. Always ready to take it up the butt.
This is where Electronic Arts needs to recruit new talent.
Our penitentiaries are punitive institutions where those who have committed crimes against society are sent to pay for their actions.
Whatever happened to rehabilitation? When did we become a nation that values vindication over elevation?
Video games could be used as a reward--stay on good behavior, complete a VoTech course, get gaming privs. They could be a useful tool; they're something an inmate desires, so make it something they strive to get.
But no. First things first: punish the criminal. After all, if we give 'em reasons to be happy or comfortable, they won't be suffering for their crimes--and that's what matters. Make 'em pay.
Heck, why not just turn all 5+ year prison terms into life sentences? All a long prison sentence does for most people these days is make 'em even worse than they were when they went in. It's not like our "tough on crime" policies are designed to make them better people while they're on the inside...
Obliteracy: Words with explosions