Larry, I certainly agree that it is possible for two people that have opposing views to carry on a reasonable conversation. That has been, prior to this thread, the experience I have had since joining the Mudcat over a year ago.

When one person with an opposing view believes himself "entitled" or "empowered" (by whom I have no idea) to criticize the other person for his point of view, however,it becomes a bit more difficult.

I cannot comment on the prisoner situation. I am sure that some people who are in our prisons should not be there, but I sincerely hope that it is a very small fraction of the prison population. The happiness or unhappiness of those who deserve to be there, however, does not concern me for one moment.

I am far more concerned about victim's rights than I am the rights of convicted criminals.

Best, DougR