What you are saying, buhogrunon, is fair. The point that I think should be stressed in Daniel's discussion, however, is that a system that only punishes and fails to reform is an effort in vain. Given that punishment usually takes place within a designated period of time, after which prisoners enter again into 'normal' society, should we not be aiming for something better with which they can approach life outside? What is the point of churning out people if not angrier than before, feeling no less persecuted by the institutions (for many who end up in prison have been victims of structural violence - institutions and policies that foster discriminatory preferences of gender, class, race, sexual orientation, and other classifications - and whether or not they know the root of the evil, persistent societal disdain can only hurt). Would it really be an excusing of immoral actions to permit the actor to truly feel the grief and remorse that is due? And to say, "There can be change, you don't have to do this again, you don't have to be chained by your experiences"?
Such a philosophy of reform would rest on the understanding that humans are capable of appropriating their own development. This is the one thing that distinguishes us as animals. It may be incredibly difficult to understand oneself and by extension human nature, but the research is out there. It is in our policies and our prejudices that are yet unwilling to give - not forgive. 'To forgive' is so common a mantra delivered to those wronged by, but it's misleading for many, ultimately serving to undermine their capacity for compassion. What we want is change, for nobody else to feel the hurt that we feel. In order for that to happen we must allow those who have wronged the time and space to learn.
One 1955 MKUltra document gives an indication of the size and range of the effort; this document refers to the study of an assortment of mind-altering substances described as follows:[27]
1.Substances which will promote illogical thinking and impulsiveness to the point where the recipient would be discredited in public. 2.Substances which increase the efficiency of mentation and perception. 3.Materials which will cause the victim to age faster/slower in maturity. 4.Materials which will promote the intoxicating effect of alcohol. 5.Materials which will produce the signs and symptoms of recognized diseases in a reversible way so that they may be used for malingering, etc. 6.Materials will cause temporary/permanent brain damage and loss of memory. 7.Substances which will enhance the ability of individuals to withstand privation, torture and coercion during interrogation and so-called "brain-washing". 8.Materials and physical methods which will produce amnesia for events preceding and during their use. 9.Physical methods of producing shock and confusion over extended periods of time and capable of surreptitious use. 10.Substances which produce physical disablement such as paralysis of the legs, acute anemia, etc. 11.Substances which will produce a chemical that can cause blisters. 12.Substances which alter personality structure in such a way that the tendency of the recipient to become dependent upon another person is enhanced. 13.A material which will cause mental confusion of such a type that the individual under its influence will find it difficult to maintain a fabrication under questioning. 14.Substances which will lower the ambition and general working efficiency of men when administered in undetectable amounts. 15.Substances which promote weakness or distortion of the eyesight or hearing faculties, preferably without permanent effects. 16.A knockout pill which can surreptitiously be administered in drinks, food, cigarettes, as an aerosol, etc., which will be safe to use, provide a maximum of amnesia, and be suitable for use by agent types on an ad hoc basis.
RSS
Such a philosophy of reform would rest on the understanding that humans are capable of appropriating their own development. This is the one thing that distinguishes us as animals. It may be incredibly difficult to understand oneself and by extension human nature, but the research is out there. It is in our policies and our prejudices that are yet unwilling to give - not forgive. 'To forgive' is so common a mantra delivered to those wronged by, but it's misleading for many, ultimately serving to undermine their capacity for compassion. What we want is change, for nobody else to feel the hurt that we feel. In order for that to happen we must allow those who have wronged the time and space to learn.
1.Substances which will promote illogical thinking and impulsiveness to the point where the recipient would be discredited in public.
2.Substances which increase the efficiency of mentation and perception.
3.Materials which will cause the victim to age faster/slower in maturity.
4.Materials which will promote the intoxicating effect of alcohol.
5.Materials which will produce the signs and symptoms of recognized diseases in a reversible way so that they may be used for malingering, etc.
6.Materials will cause temporary/permanent brain damage and loss of memory.
7.Substances which will enhance the ability of individuals to withstand privation, torture and coercion during interrogation and so-called "brain-washing".
8.Materials and physical methods which will produce amnesia for events preceding and during their use.
9.Physical methods of producing shock and confusion over extended periods of time and capable of surreptitious use.
10.Substances which produce physical disablement such as paralysis of the legs, acute anemia, etc.
11.Substances which will produce a chemical that can cause blisters.
12.Substances which alter personality structure in such a way that the tendency of the recipient to become dependent upon another person is enhanced.
13.A material which will cause mental confusion of such a type that the individual under its influence will find it difficult to maintain a fabrication under questioning.
14.Substances which will lower the ambition and general working efficiency of men when administered in undetectable amounts.
15.Substances which promote weakness or distortion of the eyesight or hearing faculties, preferably without permanent effects.
16.A knockout pill which can surreptitiously be administered in drinks, food, cigarettes, as an aerosol, etc., which will be safe to use, provide a maximum of amnesia, and be suitable for use by agent types on an ad hoc basis.