First Draft
Second Draft
Third Draft
Current Draft
[DRAFT] - The Sickest Criminals SUBMITTED 9/21/18
[The Issue] - Inmate @@RANDOMNAME@@ died yesterday in prison from a tumor that went undetected for years. The death of the prisoner has prompted humanitarian groups to call for a "compassionate release" policy for terminally ill or elderly inmates.
[issuevalidity] - Nation must have prisons.
[Option 1] - "A portion of our imprisoned population lives in holding cells when they really belong in hospice care!" exclaims @@RANDOMNAME@@, a well-known philanthropist and humanitarian. “A compassionate release system will allow these inmates to live out their days free from the encumbrance of incarceration. Yes, they might be criminals, but anyone who considers the elderly, debilitated, or dying a danger to society should consider a wellness check themselves."
[effect] - the prison service cuts living expenses by releasing the dying
[Option 2] - "We can't just release inmates every time they get a hangnail!" counters former sheriff @@RANDOMNAME@@, a staunch supporter of retributive criminal policy. "Sure, compassionate release might cut costs, but at what cost to the community? Tell me, what's stopping these crazies from going on crime sprees following their release? Arthritis? Keep these people in prison, @@LEADER@@! Convicts should serve the entirety of their sentences, even if it means they get paroled out the back door."
[effect] - the only way to escape lengthy prison terms is in a body bag
[Option 3] - "Frankly, prison infirmaries aren't adequately equipped or staffed to fully handle inmates, who often end up sick, stabbed, or sometimes both," declares prison nurse @@RANDOMNAME@@, pointing to over a dozen shanks on a nearby table. "Can't the government send some @@CURRENCYPLURAL@@ our way? I mean, the sheer number of items one can substitute for a surgical suture is impressive and all, but @@NAME@@ should really invest in prison medical facilities and personnel capable of supporting all who dwell within the walls."
[effect] - life expectancies inside correctional facilities vastly exceed the national average