Firstly, the three-strikes laws don’t only apply to violent crimes.

Secondly, that’s what a parole board is for. And despite what the law-and-order Fascist freaks yap about, that’s what educational and vocational programs in prison should be for — so people can be released with opportunities to do right.

I may add that criminal records should be sealed after a certain number of years, except in the most heinous of crimes. Not damaging ex-convicts’ job opportunities will reduce recidivism.

Keeping nearly one per cent of our population locked up is shameful. And expensive. We need to find a better way and move away from a concept of punishment.