Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Civil rights advocates say Census Bureau figures are startling
WASHINGTON - More than three times as many black people live in prison cells as in college dorms, the government said in a report to be released Thursday.
The ratio is only slightly better for Hispanics, at 2.7 inmates for every Latino in college housing. Among non-Hispanic whites, more than twice as many live in college housing as in prison or jail.
The numbers, driven by men, do not include college students who live off campus. Previously released census data show that black and Hispanic college students — commuters and those in dorms — far outnumber black and Hispanic prison inmates.
Civil rights advocates say Census Bureau figures are startling
WASHINGTON - More than three times as many black people live in prison cells as in college dorms, the government said in a report to be released Thursday.
Moderator cut: do not reposts copyrighted articles
interesting stuff how these stats are examined.
its not the stats its the conclusions drawn from them.
people will make accusations here against the system that they would not even think of doing in africa and mexico. people will do stuff here that would have them in front of a firing squad in a jiffy back home with the blessings of the populus. but they are astounded and morally outraged when they are incarcerated here.
not good. folks need to learn that american freedom requires responsible behavior, please read the fine print. your freedom stops where the next guys starts.
stephen s
san diego ca
I think that is a ratio that seems relevant, but ultimately isn't.
As someone who has attended both a community college, a rural university and a city one, I can say that rural schools have a predominance of dorms and "on campus" housing, while the community college and city university tend to be "commuter schools" (which are either near-campus apartments or staying with the folks as a cheaper option). Community colleges (which are much cheaper and thus a 1st choice of poorer folks).
Since African Americans and Hispanics live in much greater numbers in big cities (and virtually not at all in the rural areas), and tend to be poorer, it makes sense that there are few people occupying the small number of "city university" dorm rooms.
I would suspect that if you were to adjust the population of white folks the results would be a lot closer (but not identical since white folks are a smaller % of prisoners and a larger % of college students).
The important line at the end about how college students in general greatly outnumber prisoners was lost on many. Is a dorm-room college student somehow more valuable?
It seems that MSNBC and CNN are pushing racial and gender issues lately,hmmm.politics?? Just for stats purpose, on my local news there were 3 hispanic neighborhood shootings today and a black neighborhood shooting everday.
I don't know, I hate to say it, but in many ways crime does pay.
Hard-core criminals usually commit dozens of crimes before they're finally caught and jailed. Additionally they usually only get prosecuted for a small number of their crimes, and usually even then they get some sort of plea bargain. They steal, rob people, burglar homes, steal cars, and rarely have to follow through and pay restitution when they're caught.
In fact, many states still have college programs where prisoners can get a free college education while they're locked up, if not they usually qualify for free state job training when they get out. Then when they are finally released on society they usually qualify for some sort of welfare benefits. Food stamps, discounts on home utilities for those that are indigent, and free helathcare at county hospitals and clincs. Plus, if they get jacked up in prison they'll probably qualify for social security disability. Then after they get out if they have children, then that opens up a whole new avenue for benefits and monies.
I don't know, I hate to say it, but in many ways crime does pay.
Hard-core criminals usually commit dozens of crimes before they're finally caught and jailed. Additionally they usually only get prosecuted for a small number of their crimes, and usually even then they get some sort of plea bargain. They steal, rob people, burglar homes, steal cars, and rarely have to follow through and pay restitution when they're caught.
In fact, many states still have college programs where prisoners can get a free college education while they're locked up, if not they usually qualify for free state job training when they get out. Then when they are finally released on society they usually qualify for some sort of welfare benefits. Food stamps, discounts on home utilities for those that are indigent, and free healthcare at county hospitals and clinics. Plus, if they get jacked up in prison they'll probably qualify for social security disability. Then after they get out if they have children, then that opens up a whole new avenue for benefits and monies.
A more interesting statistic to me would have been the relationship between out of wedlock childbearing and the % of out of wedlock kids in prison.
It seems to me as long as out of wedlock childbearing is the norm (as it is for blacks) or near-normal (as it is for Hispanics and it is approaching "near normal" status for whites)....the more young men we'll have in prison.
Civil rights advocates say Census Bureau figures are startling
WASHINGTON - More than three times as many black people live in prison cells as in college dorms, the government said in a report to be released Thursday.
Moderator cut: do not reposts copyrighted articles
It is an MSNBC article. I bet they got the info from Media Matters. This article is inflamatory because MSNBC just wants to create "race issue".
Here is also an interesting thought: IF THEY WERE NOT OUT THERE SELLING CRACK AND COMMITING CRIMES, THEY WOULD NOT BE IN JAIL!!
WHERE IS PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY?????
--> Do you give a second-thought what race a criminal is? Will you not call the cops if you robbed by a white guy instead of a black guy or Hispanic guy?? Come on now.
If a black, white, hispanic, or asian person robs you or you see them selling crack in your neighborhood, you would call the cops, regardless of race. If people stop committing crimes, they would not be in jail.
Just because you are a certain race does NOT give you the right to commit crimes. People need to stop with the "he commited a murder because he was abused as a kid" or "he can steal because he is poor" mentality. CRIMES ARE ALWAYS WRONG.
This whole article is pure BS. John1960 just reports it, it is not his fault. This is MSNBC trying to get attention. Their ratings as abysmal.... and this article is part of that reason. People are sick and tired of suck diatribes.
Last edited by Yac; 12-13-2007 at 04:28 AM..
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
