BUSH'S GOP BAILOUT ON PRISONS

Among the things Dubya proposed in his speech tonight, there was this:

In the past, we've worked together to bring mentors to children of prisoners, and provide treatment for the addicted, and help for the homeless. Tonight I ask you to consider another group of Americans in need of help. This year, some 600,000 inmates will be released from prison back into society. We know from long experience that if they can't find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit crime and return to prison. So tonight, I propose a four-year, $300 million prisoner re-entry initiative to expand job training and placement services, to provide transitional housing, and to help newly released prisoners get mentoring, including from faith-based groups. (Applause.) America is the land of second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life. (Applause.)

Gee, why might Dubya be proposing programs for recently-released prisoners? Maybe because in certain states, particularly the ones with the combo of 1) a GOP governor and 2) a severe fiscal crisis, there is the probability that thousands upon thousands of prisoners will be released early to save money. Alabama and Cuh-leee-fooorrrna come to mind.

This is either a bone thrown to states where Republicans have blocked the raising of taxes (appeal to the base, and stick to principle!), or one of those mock-"compassion" proposals that wont actually get passed, but he looks good proposing it.