Brownback Going To Jail!
No, not for committing a crime. Rather, Senator Sam Brownback is spending tonight in prison in order to prove that he's a compassionate conservative.
The Associated Press reports that Brownback -- who's positioning himself as the race's only real conservative (albeit a compassionate one) -- will bed down in Louisiana's "notorious state prison in Angola" in order to "highlight the problem of recidivism and programs that can help prevent it." The AP adds that the overnight in prison is "unusual, possibly a first for a potential presidential candidate. But the prison stay captures the complexity of Brownback's views and his desire to broaden his appeal beyond religious conservatives who form his natural base."
Meanwhile, Brownback says he's not worried about the conventional wisdom that says he has no chance of winning a GOP primary. In an interview with the Topeka Capitol Journal, Brownback predicts flatly that he is going to be the next President:
"I don't see it as a long shot," he said. "I think once the candidates' positions are known on the various topics, I'm going to win this."
Let's start a Brownbackers site and start funding this campaign!
I actually think everyone in Congress should spend a night in prison -- as a scared straight sort of thing. They could stay in the cell next to Duke Cunningham.
December 9, 2006 11:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's the Chuck Colson prison ministries approach. Very Christ-like in its compassion. It sounds nice but look at how his party treats crime and punishment. Most of the GOP are in favor harsher prosecution and longer sentences for most crimes. Look at the way drug possession is punished. There are lots of marijuana users rotting in prison. So many in some states that there's no room for violent criminals. Because of laws passed by the GOP, judges' hands are tied regarding sentencing. He'd be more effective if he tried to convince the lock 'em up crowd that "prisoners are people too" as he said on an interview on NPR this afternoon. Visit GitMo and experience all the accompanying humiliation and torture. Deface his bible. Hood him. One day's not enough.
Now that would be a true way to show his compassion.
December 10, 2006 6:00 PM | Reply | Permalink