Jim Webb Once Again Proves He's Not a "Single Issue Senator"

By: Lowell
Published On: 10/2/2007 3:48:03 PM

Remember a few months ago how Tom "Devolites" Davis sneered that Jim Webb was a "one-issue Senator?"  Presumably, Davis was talking about the Bush War in Iraq, which he has loyally supported.  Anyway, here's more evidence, as if any is needed, to illustrate that Jim Webb is far from a single-issue Senator, never has been and never will be.  Maybe Tom Davis can ponder this after his wife loses to Chap Petersen, and after his political career ends in November 2008.

WEBB TO CONDUCT HEARING ON INCARCERATION RATES IN U.S. CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Experts to Explore Rapid Rise of U.S. Prison Population-- 500 Percent Increase in the Past 30 years

Washington, DC - On Thursday, Senator Jim Webb will conduct a Joint Economic Committee (JEC) hearing to explore the steep increase in the U.S. prison population.  The hearing entitled "Mass Incarceration in the United States: At What Cost?" will host a number of experts in the field to examine the reasons behind this growth in the prison population, whether it correlates with decreases in crime, the economic costs of maintaining the prison system, and the long-term labor market and social costs of mass incarceration.  The hearing will explore whether the prison system responds to our needs for law and order while also treating fairly those who are in the system.


WHO: Senator Jim Webb, members of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC)

WHAT: Joint Economic Committee Hearing: "Mass Incarceration in the United States: At What Cost?"

WHEN: Thursday, October 4th, at 10:00am

WHERE: 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC

WITNESSES:  Dr. Glenn Loury, Economics and Social Sciences Professor, Brown University 

Dr. Bruce Western, Director Inequality and Social Policy Program, Harvard University 

Alphonso Albert, Executive Director, Second Chances 

Michael Jacobson, Executive Director, Vera Institute for Justice

ISSUES TO BE EXAMINED: What has caused the steep increase in the American incarceration rate?

What are the private and public costs of the prison system?

Are ex-offenders able to reintegrate into their communities and into the workplace?

Are there less expensive and more effective policy options to address public health and safety needs?

Comments



3 words (JD - 10/2/2007 4:55:08 PM)
War On Drugs


War on drugs (KCinDC - 10/2/2007 5:03:25 PM)
Yes, it'll be interesting to see what Webb has to say about this. I know he's talked about the incarceration rate before (in fact I think he did at the first fundraiser I saw him at), but has he specifically mentioned the drug war?

This issue isn't exactly going to help the arguments of the people who keep trying to say that Webb is actually a Republican (not that I've heard many Democrats raising the issue either, aside from Kucinich and Gravel).



I dunno (JD - 10/2/2007 7:20:38 PM)
I wonder if the drug war is one of those former lightning-bolt issues of the 90s that is losing its potency this decade.  I'm often surprised to meet Republicans who are against the drug war, and even for legalizing pot - one of them a Connecticut state legislator!


Drugs and Mental Health (Alicia - 10/2/2007 8:44:21 PM)
our society doesn't deal with mental health problems well - and we tend to incarcerate those who can't afford or don't take medications for psych problems.  Instead of help - the police get called when they spin out of control and/or commit crimes.  Jail may even feel safer than the real world for some.

And nonviolent drug crimes.

I think this is a fantastic issue to explore.  Long overdue.

Next up?  I vote for Webb (since he's on a roll) to take note of the Foster Care system in the country.  From what I  know it's atrocious.



He's kept the promise he made in March (Catzmaw - 10/2/2007 9:41:20 PM)
I asked Senator Webb about this at Brian Moran's St. Paddy's day breakfast after hearing him talk about it on Stephanopolous's show.  His concern about this issue is genuine.  He believes we're wasting too many salvageable young people, especially minority youth, on excessive incarcerations, often for nonviolent offenses.  He is concerned about the loss of these young people to their families and communities.  As a defense attorney I was thrilled to finally hear someone acknowledging the need to tackle this serious social problem which has contributed to the instability of so many families and destroyed so many futures.


Jim Webb (macaca98506 - 10/2/2007 11:58:29 PM)
I am not a Virginian, but I'm a big fan of Mr. Webb.  If only his backbone could be cloned and grafted into the rest of the Democratic Party, maybe they wouldn't fumble away the 2008 election, which is where they are heading, against all the odds.  Leadership is what the decent people of this country are longing for.  It won't be found by accommodating swine and morons.


Senator Webb (AmerIdiot - 10/3/2007 7:39:09 PM)
I was fortunate to attend the opening of then candidate Webb's campaign headquarters in Richmond last summer.  My teenaged son and I heard him speak and observed his quiet courage and dignity.

This is a good man.  I hope we can hold this country together long enough to get him into the White House.  Hell, why not 2008.

I'm proud he is our Virginia Senator and so happy we no longer have that fake cowboy, fake country boy to embarrass our state.