Obama: Why we must rethink solitary confinement. Natalia Hernandez 9th period.

 http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/barack-obama-why-we-must-rethink-solitary-confinement/ar-BBoH1Js?li=BBnb7Kz
Kalef, a 16 year old accused of stealing a purse, spent almost 2 years in solitary confinement and was released never having stood trial. Struggling to recover from the trauma he commited suicide at 22 years old. Since the 1800's solitary confinement has been gaining popularity. But the psychological consequences are devastating. "In our criminal justice system, the punishment should fit the crime — and those who have served their time should leave prison ready to become productive members of society. How can we subject prisoners to unnecessary solitary confinement, knowing its effects, and then expect them to return to our communities as whole people? It doesn’t make us safer. It’s an affront to our common humanity" Barack Obama has said.

These kinds of issues are linked in American history as far back as the creation of the bill of rights where the 6th amendment protects our right to a speedy and public trial, and where excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Solitary confinement is a damaging blow, often irreparable, to the human physique. It's always struck me as the embodiment of utter despair. So when Obama words this very logical argument, I can't help but to agree, really. The trauma often renders those who have served their time in prison unable to re-adjust to society. Must we evaluate the fundamental purpose of prison? Is it to break the prisoners out of spite for their crimes, meanwhile pouring money into the system in order to mantain it, only to watch them walk away and soon die? Should the purpose not be to give these people a chance to atone for their crime and employ the possibility of giving back to the community afterwards? Especially juvieniles, who are in question here. We have yet much to offer if we can be averted from the wrong path. But breaking a teen's mind serves no purpose, at least not a practical one.