General Discussion

cyclonefence

(4,483 posts) Tue Jun 19, 2018, 11:08 AM Jun 2018

"Zero Tolerance" got Jean Valjean a death sentence for stealing a loaf of bread

"Zero tolerance" is a cruel, lazy and ineffectual way to address crimes. Years ago, when we began to become aware of sexual abuse in our society, schools proudly announced a Zero Tolerance for sexual misbehavior. A first grader who kissed a classmate was expelled; so was the sixth grader who participated in a gang rape in the boys' room. Zero tolerance gave us the Rockefeller drug laws which put first-time marijuana *possessors*--not sellers, possessors--in jail for long terms, sometimes life terms, no matter what the judge in the case felt was reasonable. Zero tolerance keeps me from carrying my 1" long folding scissors on airplanes.

Zero tolerance is invoked when the authority in question does not want to take the time and trouble to examine each case on its own merits, with appropriate consequences imposed. Zero tolerance sounds mighty tough, but it's really the lazy man's out.

Zero tolerance treats Mexican and South American families who have tried to follow our immigration laws exactly as people trying to cross the border illegally. Zero tolerance treats eight-month-old babies the same way it treats adult gang members.

God save us all from Zero tolerance.

ETA: Just read MrScorpio's post about Trump's continuing war on POC. Zero Tolerance also gave us the "one drop" doctrine of determining who was white and therefore fully human. Zero tolerance.

7 replies

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"Zero Tolerance" got Jean Valjean a death sentence for stealing a loaf of bread (Original Post) cyclonefence Jun 2018 OP

Zero Tolerance in any form is always a failure rock Jun 2018 #1

The biggest problem with zero tolerance is that those who impose malaise Jun 2018 #2

I look at it a little differently cyclonefence Jun 2018 #3

Very well put, thank you for sharing. Canoe52 Jun 2018 #4

Stealing bread was 5 years - the rest because I tried to run. I remember - Javert sang it to me. n/t 24601 Jun 2018 #5

Thank you for that, cyclonefence Cha Jun 2018 #6

I only have zero tolerance for alt-far-right-fascist dictatorships and their enablers. VOX Jun 2018 #7

rock

(13,218 posts)

1. Zero Tolerance in any form is always a failure

Reply to cyclonefence (Original post)

Tue Jun 19, 2018, 11:13 AM

Jun 2018

And suits tRUMP to a "t"!

malaise

(269,050 posts)

2. The biggest problem with zero tolerance is that those who impose

Reply to cyclonefence (Original post)

Tue Jun 19, 2018, 11:16 AM

Jun 2018

it feel that they are above all laws.

cyclonefence

(4,483 posts)

3. I look at it a little differently

Reply to malaise (Reply #2)

Tue Jun 19, 2018, 11:21 AM

Jun 2018

I think they would deny that they feel they are above the law; I think they cannot empathize with someone who finds herself in a position where breaking the law is the only option.

They cannot imagine that they would live in a situation where death threats, for instance, would make it seem reasonable to flee the country and try to find asylum elsewhere. I just don't think imagination of others' situations is on their radar or even in their toolbox.

Canoe52

(2,948 posts)

4. Very well put, thank you for sharing.

Reply to cyclonefence (Original post)

Tue Jun 19, 2018, 11:28 AM

Jun 2018

24601

(3,962 posts)

5. Stealing bread was 5 years - the rest because I tried to run. I remember - Javert sang it to me. n/t

Reply to cyclonefence (Original post)

Wed Jun 20, 2018, 04:58 AM

Jun 2018

Cha

(297,297 posts)

6. Thank you for that, cyclonefence

Reply to cyclonefence (Original post)

Wed Jun 20, 2018, 05:00 AM

Jun 2018

VOX

(22,976 posts)

7. I only have zero tolerance for alt-far-right-fascist dictatorships and their enablers.

Reply to cyclonefence (Original post)

Wed Jun 20, 2018, 05:17 AM

Jun 2018

And tormentors, torturers, women-beaters, open-carry dickheads, cult leaders, DJT and every fucking freako cabinet member and "advisor," grifters, the NRA, Alex Jones, Fox News, Rush, Beck, racists, misogynists, xenophobes, climate-change deniers, dominionist christians, silent republicans, bullies...pretty much all the folks who'd (for some perverted reason) actually be interested in being part of a fascist dictatorship.

Like the one we have now.

Other than that, I am one very tolerant liberal motherfucker.

Oops! Meant to add: But I hear what you're saying, and yes, well said.

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