The American prison system is far from perfect. It is an extremely controversial subject that is regularly and often savagely argued over. It is the subject of the HBO documentary series, Vice, which will have air, “Fixing the System,” as its season premiere, September 27.
In a recently released teaser, President Obama having a conversation with inmates from El Reno Oklahoma State Prison. The President greets the six men in much the same way he meets someone that visits the White House: with respect and humanity. After shaking each of the men’s hands, they down, ready to begin conversation.
The visit was historic, Obama became the first sitting President to go to a federal prison. Obama has pushed for reform in the prison system, expressing the logical attitude that it made little sense to lump all crimes together. Obama also points out a few difference between what he called “stupid” mistakes of youth and the criminal activity of habitual felons. The cost of housing so many convicts, having quadrupling the amount of convicts since 1980 pushed the cost of these programs to $80 billion every year.
Vice first premiered on HBO in April 2013. If you haven’t watched their news yet, GO DO IT. They cover extremely controversial issues and get their reporters deep in the proverbial shit to get to the heart of their stories. This “Fixing The System” episode should prove to be both entertaining and EXTREMELY informative. Check it out!