The US has a higher percentage of its population behind bars than any other country in the world: more than China, more than Russia, more than any backwater dictatorship.
In 2002, the prison population in the US topped 2 million for the first time.
That means that roughly 1 out of every 142 US residents is behind bars.
As of 2002, the federal government held 1,355,748 (two thirds of the entire incarcerated population) and growth in the federal population makes up 40% of the growth in inmates.
This gulag system is fantastically profitable for the companies that build and manage prisons...for the companies that supply them...for the prison guard unions...and for the state itself which sells prison labor to private corporations for pennies on the dollar.
Even the phone companies are in the act, charging prisoners and their families phenomenal way-above-market rate to make and receive phone calls from outside.
Why are there so many people in prison in the land of the free?
Excessively long sentences is one factor.
Antiquated and disparity in sentencing laws are another factor.
Hugely profitable business is one of the most significant factors.
Public apathy is a factor...and lack of understanding the issues.
Inadequate education and preparation for return to society, together with little or no caring or support in their communities makes successful return virtually impossible for the majority of released felons.
I don't know anything about the Chapman case, but if you're interested, you can find more information about his situation here:
FRIENDS OF TROY CHAPMAN
Here is a link to an organization founded by a former federal inmate that is doing something about it.
Click the Logo
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