1 out of 100 people in the USA are in prison or jail -- why not send the best of them to Iraq?

Lisa

That's a disturbingly high percentage. I think you are mistaken about that. And no, many prisoners have psychological problems. It might not be such a good idea.

EDIT: I just checked. It appears that you are correct. That is a lot of people. I would imagine a large portion of them are non-violent drug offenders. I think that we need to stop locking up so many people.

LimeDazzle

Because it would reduce the honor for the people who chose to volunteer for the country.

Artie B

Because Americans shouldn't be in Iraq.

bigtalltom

you have very little understanding of the military or what the military requires in its soldiers.

A bunch of criminals would NOT make up a good platoon of soldiers.

Right, take criminals and let them loose in Iraq! That'll solve the problem! By the way, by saying criminals could do the job, you're diminishing the preofessionalism of all the troops over there. Shame on you!

John

I served over in Iraq for two tours of 7 months. I would not feel safe knowing that one of the guys watching my back was a convict who is not over there on his own will. Whats saying if you gave him a gun that he wouldn't use it on me or another person. There is just to much risk in giving a prisoner a gun. You had also mentioned that they could send only the best. I have also worked in a prison. There are no "the best" they all want their freedom and given the opportunity would all take it. You cant trust a convict. End of story.

trickygirlb

How loyal of a military do you think a military of criminals would be. You want to give them guns and train them to fight, they have already chosen to not be a part of society by breaking laws so why wouldn't they just join the people they would suppose to be fighting?

ssgjwyf

I'd rather not put guns in their hands. Once you're convicted, you're not allowed to own one...let's not just HAND them guns! I'd RATHER take the illegal immigrants and have them serve as a means to EARN the right to be called an American.

Brandon M

cause they wouldn't fight, they'd probably all just run away once they were let out.

and why would you choose to give a convict a gun.

Rev. Dr. Al Poe

How can the US be a "free" country when it has more people, per capita, in prison than any other country?

Rainman

Most of them are in prison/jail for drug related offenses. They'd probably just get high/drunk.

Min

I agree that you don't understand the military and what it takes to be a soldier (or Marine, Corpsman). You can't just give someone a gun (criminal or not) and think they'll know what to do, let alone do it right.

But more importantly, we shouldn't because it degrades and dishonors those who are fighting. They have gone through immense training and have sacrificed tons to do what they do. Have some respect.

Semper Fi

johesuf joehezupfs

very true many of us wonder the same ..... but why wouldnt they turn against us ???? or each other?

but the right to serve honorable would come in as a form of death sentence

bobbilee

Then they could go join the enemy & still commit crimes against us.

Zadrii

becuase that is like sentencing them to death even if they didn't commit a crime that deserves death

Mr. Goodhi

That would be a good idea but I'm sure the ACLU would protest that idea.

kyia

Send the prisoners out with guns, heavy weapons . hee hee
did you really think about this questions before you wrote it.

curtisports2

What best? Don't you understand that the reason they are where they are is because they could not follow rules? Exactly opposite of what any army must have to function?

ruthaford_jive

Even THE BEST of them are still criminals. Giving them high powered rifles and free roam of a city with less than vigilant enforcement of laws doesn't seem like a very good idea when you want to win the hearts and minds of those in the city.

Lost. at. Sea.

I think is a good idea.

That practice was common in the colonization of America.
Check the history of the Spanish colonization.

.....but the real problem is: A country with 1% of the population in jail, is a country with serious society problems. Or not?

frad

well there is a propability that they been there could escape!!! but good point of view

Boris the Oval Banana

In your defence (and I hope I'm not putting words in your mouth), I think you're asking why we send good law-abiding people to war and put them in harms way, when we could send trainable and compliant criminals. I think it's not quite as simple as that. Soldiering is extremely difficult and demanding, and requires a level of discipline and strength of mind and character that is likely to be lacking in any criminal that is otherwise physically and psychologically capable of doing the job. Interesting question though...

raysmithson1

look what they did here rape murder whatever, I don't want them shooting my solders in the back

Agent Fox

No way, we are just rewarding them for their behavior that got them in jail. For example if there are murderers then why send them to Iraq to kill more people? Thats not punishment. Jail is supposed to be a punishment for their unlawful actions.

QUEEN RUTH

that has already been tried and so many of them switched sides or took off,they just got a free ticket out of the state,I love the way you think though, that is a very smart thing and you show that you care about what happens to our world

Cassie

Ok, I know where you are coming from, however, that is an oxymoron. There is no such thing as "best convicts!" Why were they in prison in the first place? Felony, murder, rape...etc. Who is to say that when they get a gun they don't go awol and kill everyone, or run away. It would solve a lot of problems and take away some taxes, but we just can't do it. It is not safe for our men and women in Iraq!

moonlightbeauty

they'll look 4 a way to excape
and trust me u don't want those pple in jail to be back in the public society.

Citizen1984

The army needs good people. On the other hand there's lots of cheap heroin in the Middle East that they might enjoy.

midge

good idea,
oh wait it's already been done,
i believe the movie was called
"the dirty dozen" staring the late,
famous neocon Lee Marvin

EndlessDark18

You do have a good point. I like your idea : )

lilywildfire

Well that would be a good idea. Don't you think that some of them might try to flea being in another country? They can't be watched like they are here. I don't think it would diminish the honor of people already serving as long as it was something they could volenteeringly sign up for. Because you know that not ALL of the people in prison are murders and rapists. Maybe some of them actually want to live decent lives when they get out.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: