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Except that...

There is no easy solution. Most prisoners want to change while they are in prison. Some do change, most don’t. It is easier to go back to what you were doing than to change once you get out. Remember the proverb about a dog going back to its vomit.

I worked with Innerchange Freedom Initiative a Christian based program. The recidivism was a little better than the normal population but not a lot.

There is no magic bullet here. But the guys in prison are a reflection of us also. There are some things I need to change in my life and I know it like exercise, eating habits, etc, and I try but the reality is I probably won’t. But my bad habits so far, don’t land me in jail.

My observation is that most guys that changed would have changed anyway whether in prison or not. But, sometimes a little thing you do can make a difference in a persons life or at least God can use it.

“working out your salvation with fear and trembling” is not an easy path. Some change instantly, others it is a lifelong process. BUT MOST OF US DO NOT CHANGE........

But, sometimes a little thing you do can make a difference in a persons life or at least God can use it.

I completely agree with your premise. My comment is not directed toward individual and volunteer efforts to reduce recidivism -- faith-based and otherwise. Indeed, these are the only devices that are likely to have a positive impact.

Instead, my comment was directed toward the kind of ponderous, expensive government-based bureaucratic effort that Newt was proposing. It would surely result in just another failed government program.