The solution to repeat offenders

In my previous entry I mentioned that we have a 60% repeat offender rate here in the good ole U.S. of A. Here are some solutions:

1. Rehabilitation! Wouldn't that be super if we could have a system where we could successfully rehabilitate criminals to be productive members of society? If we could have a less than 10% repeat offender rate? Sure you don't want prison time to look too much like a free ride...
2. Lifetime sentences. Never let them out. Sure that'd be costly, but maybe we can combine #1 and #2 so we can be sure the ones we do let go would behave themselves.
3. Capital punishment for all felonies. Obviously you shouldn't be put to death for say, running a red light (or should you?) but for sure at least cases where there is irrefutable evidence the suspect killed one or more people intentionally. I would say there has to be intent (other than drunk driving. Other countries punish DUIs with death, and we should too.). This whole less than life for murder thing is ridiculous.

Sure, #3 is a bit harsh, but theoretically it would lower the initial crime rates. Maybe people would think over their options before stealing a TV.


On a completely unrelated topic, tonight is a peak viewing period for the meteor shower. I forget the name of this one, but apparently this one is known for some spectacular fireballs. The only problem this year is that we've got a full moon, so the peak is between sunset and moonrise, about 1.5 hours.

I came home yesterday to find an envelope from Norweigan Cruise Lines on the counter. The conversation went something like this:
Me: What? You guys are going on a cruise? When were you gonna tell me?
Mom: I dunno.
Me: You'd tell me like a week before. "Hey, we're going on a cruise. Can you take care of Daisy?" Man, you never take me anywhere cool.
Mom: What you wanna go on a cruise? I didn't think you would.
Me: Its a CRUISE! (looks at the brochure) To MEXICO!
Mom: Yeah, but you don't like family vacations.
Me: Our vacations are like, the Dells, or Memphis. Not a cruise to mexico!
Mom: Well, do you want me to look into it?
Me: Yeah.. could you?
Mom: Yeah. You'll probably have to share a room with Doug.
Me: .. Hm. When is it?
Mom: February, for ten days. Actually, you could probably take Wes.
Me: Wow, ten days. I've got five classes. I don't know if I wanna miss that much. Hey when is that insurance thing due? I get like five or ten days to drop classes for a full refund! heh, kidding.
Mom: What?
Me: For insurance.. Enrollment. I could fill out the form and drop the classes.
Mom: What? You're dropping your classes??
Me: No, I said I was kidding.
Mom: Well do you want me to check into it for you or no?
Me: (looks at brochure again) Yeah, would you please?

Wooooooo cruise to Mexico! Possibly! Mayan ruins OMG!!!