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We are not as bad as the U.S. but then who is? America has more prisoners (2 million) than Greece and Rome had citizens, together, at their height. They should free the prisoners and invade the Persian Empire. (Oh ...) The point is that people criticize America because of its treatment of the Al Ghraib prisoners. However, they treat their own so badly, that a few foreigners being degraded causes little stir back home.I read that a swap was arranged between Mexican and American prisoners, Mexicans in the U.S. were to be transferred to Mexican prisons and visa versa. It failed as they could not find a single American willing to go home. The American prisons are cold, clinical and violent (just like Mexico) but also have corrections officers ... and Johnny Cash!
American prisons are equal opportunity as long as you are poor. Jessica Mitford, in "The American Prison Business ", described an experiment consisting of prisoners being paid to avoid vitamin C, to gauge the impact. Hundreds applied. They developed scurvy. Ms. Mitford pointed out that the Brits have known for two hundred years what happens and are called " limeys " to this day in the States.
Scottish prisons are the busiest in Europe. But nothing compared to the States. None the less you may wish to let your American pal know that we have potties for our prisoners just to add some unexpected degradation. However, we do not execute our own, except with Scottish food. Some wondered why the fuss, when they were accused of abusing Iraqi prisoners. They were only abusing them, not electrocuting them (to death anyway).
Three strikes and you are out. Another couthy baseball expression. It makes sense if you have been hit on the head by the baseball.
