Along with this great Borgman cartoon, todays Chronicle had three letters about the defeat of the county jail bond issue. First, Steve Tran of Houston writes that inmates should be housed in tents, with much harsher treatment. Next, some thoughtful views:

From Staci Hedlund:
“Confusion abounds. The defeat of the jail bond baffles Harris County officials who have begun blaming each other for its failure. Political analysts cite late campaign efforts. Not one of the post-election articles quotes a voter. No wonder it's a mystery.

“After years of convictions on flawed evidence combined with escalating imprisonment rates, it is no wonder that the voters have spoken. Will the "deciders" understand that ill-timed direct mail is not their biggest problem?”


And from John W. Mikus:
“Wonder why the United States houses so many criminals in the first place? Perhaps it is because "law and order" prosecutors want to put away nonviolent offenders for as many years as possible. Instead of expending taxpayer dollars for family counseling, education, job treatment and drug treatment, taxpayers spend tens of thousands of dollars per year to house an inmate. Texas jury panels and juries are not allowed to consider the cost to taxpayers of prison in the punishment of an offender.

“As privatization of jails increases, crime and the jailing of offenders becomes a cottage industry in America fueled by the political contributions of private investors in the prison industry.

“These are issues that all voters, not just black voters whose children are often falsely accused, should bring with them to the voting booth the next time Harris County seeks to build more jails.”