The state of Indiana recently passed legislation (almost unanimously) in which they could charge 12-year-old children as adults for certain crimes. Those politicians were said to be over the moon with passing off this new law. Seeing those responsible for creating law so excited about sending children to prison should give cause for all of us to stop and see this for what it truly is. Was this law created to make society safer? Do these politicians have something to gain by locking these children up for two to three decades?
There have been a number of studies on children that commit serious crimes but the consensus is that these children aren't fully responsible for their actions. Being mature enough to understand consequences is one of the pillars to support this theory. There are many other philosophies one could draw upon to illustrate why this is the wrong course of action.
I believe the more important questions pertain to the politicians, Judges, prosecutors, and those connected to determining the ultimate fate of these children.
It is no secret that incarceration has become big business...What may surprise most people is that those who have invested their money in this multi-billion dollar business are those same politicians, judges, and prosecutors who believe long term incarceration is the only answer. There is a long conspiracy afoot and it is motivated by greed and profit.
This is an amazing hustle these people have going on. It's rare to be able to invest in a business and have the power to dictate its growth. This is exactly what's taking place all over the United States. These laws are being created to ensure that these investments continue to thrive.
Incarceration itself failed as a deterrent and rehabilitation is no longer a priority. Programs once designed for rehabilitation are gone. Replacing them are a variety of businesses that are in need of manual labor. Those invested in these businesses must be thrilled with all the money they are saving using inmate workers at slave wages. In society, they would be required to pay their employees minimum wage. Those rules do not apply for incarcerated workers who would be lucky to receive .25 cents per hour.
Imagine a 12 or 13 year old child on an assembly line for the next 20-30 years. They are a commodity, there to be profited from. These politicians have convinced society that locking up our children for decades is in the interest of our communities when in fact it is in the interest of THEIR interest.
Incarcerating children isn't the answer and the solutions are something we the people should ALL be invested in. The future depends on it.
