Sponsors of the bill say it would promote dramatic prison reform and a leaner, less costly military.
Rep. Letcher Popinjay (D-N.Y.) introduced prison reform legislation this week that he said would give the nation a cheaper, more efficient military while also reducing prison violence and recidivism.
“I recommend that we move with all possible haste to induct incarcerated federal felons into the military reserves, give them combat training, and arm them,” Popinjay said. “These are people who are already on the taxpayers’ nickel, and it’s really backward to make hardworking Americans pay for a full-time military force dedicated to engaging in combat and maintaining exorbitantly expensive weapons systems and vehicles when we already have copious human resources.”
Popinjay said a prison is far less expensive to operate than a military base and that the closure of numerous bases would save taxpayers billions of dollars annually. He said further economies would accrue from the fact that there are no federal prisons named after Confederate figures, meaning that there would be no need to alter signage or order new stationery as Democrats and Republicans alternate in power.
Rep. Legrand Privy (R-Ky.) signed on as co-sponsor of the bill.
“My esteemed colleague from New York and I disagree on many matters,” Privy said, “but the Farmers of our Constitution would no doubt be troubled by the vast size of our current standing army, and as a lover of our county and its history I am all about the Farmers of our Constitution.”
Popinjay said the measure, if passed, would also drastically reduce prison violence and recidivism.
“As numerous studies have shown, inmates are much more comfortable with their lot, less likely to erupt into violence, and less likely to return to a life of crime after release if they have constructive, satisfying work to do,” Popinjay said. “Drilling, marksmanship practice, and the maintenance of tanks, armored personnel carriers, and missile launchers certainly would help calm them and channel them into wholesome careers.”
Popinjay said he expected strong opposition but hoped the measure would find bipartisan support despite the current atmosphere of political polarization.
“This plan has something in it for everyone,” Popinjay said, “so if the idea of a huge reserve of murderers, rapists, and thieves with rifles and tanks doesn’t make you feel more secure and just plain better about your country, you’re just a hater, and it’s time to stop the hate.”
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