As readers of this blog know, Gov. Jerry Brown of California has combined leadership on reducing California’s bloated prison population with relentless attacks on the courts whose orders have made that badly needed “realignment” political possible. Still even I was surprised by the air of unreality to the Governor’s dual press conference yesterday, backing up … Continue reading »
California prisons
State of confinement: California’s carceral habit
Scott Simon’s amazing interview with George Takei (Sept. 1) brought tears to my eyes and made me think once again about why this hauntingly beautiful state with its sunny optimism and reputation for creativity and innovation has so often embraced mass incarceration in various forms. Takei, best known to the world as Hikaru Sulu, the … Continue reading »