In recent years, more and more people have been arrested and convicted, rightly so, of high-profile “white collar crimes”: Bernie Madoff, Ken Lay, Don Siegelman, Richard Scrushy, Larry Langford, etc. The question becomes, not whether or not to convict people of bribery, conspiracy, fraud, money laundering, etc, but what punishment fits the crime?
When it comes to elected officials – or more appropriately former elected officials – lobbyists, and others in such a position, is it appropriate to send such people to a Federal prison that will feed and clothe them for the remainder of their lives?Aside from removing any “power” and influence, what is the punishment? Sure, I wouldn’t want to live in prison, but when you look at the similarities – both (life in prison and life as an elected official) provide tax-payer funded housing, clothing and food – the only difference is that you don’t have the “choice” to leave one.
What then do I propose?
First, revoke any ill-gotten gains and compensate any victims, appropriately.
Secondly, I’d ensure that those convicted of such crimes be removed from office and barred from serving in the capacity any appointed/elected government position, lobbyist
By ensuring that ill-gotten gains are taken away, and the ability to live on the tax-payer dole is removed, these non-violent criminals will be forced to finally do what millions already do, earn an honest living.
While we’re at it, let’s go after the real criminals. You know who I’m talking about; the counterfeiters and big-time robbers. I’m talking about the group of men that have doubled the amount of currency in circulation in the last 2 years, the same group of men that have stolen 96% of the nations wealth since 1913 and 50% of your “wealth” in the course of your lifetime with inflationary policies. This same group has given over $1 Trillion to their “banker buddies” and refuse to give accountability for the money.
Let’s arrest the people that yearly steal up to 13%of your income to support the largest Ponzi-scheme in the history of the world, known as “Social Security”. This same group of people also yearly steals up to 50% of your income to support themselves and their closest allies.
Writing specifically about Bernie Madoff, Jeffrey A. Tucker, the editor of Mises.org, writes, “What, then, precisely, is the point of jailing him? He is no direct threat to anyone. Society would not be safer because he is in the slammer. He is not going to rob people or beat people up. He might write a book and donate the funds to charity or make some restitution to his victims. I, for one, would like to read that book.
Instead, taxpayers will be forced to pick up the tab for his living expenses. Victims get nothing. That’s not justice. That’s inhumane for both sides of the transaction…And at least he didn’t attempt to defend himself with the claim that he was conducting wise public policy.”