The best prison system in the world – Could we be a part of it?

Leave a CommentThe best prison system in the world – Could we be a part of it?Government

We have covered the turnaround in El Salvador before, here and here. It’s possible we might get to participate in one of their success stories.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has offered to house U.S. prisoners, including American citizens, in his country’s mega-prison, CECOT, in exchange for a fee. Announced during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, this proposal aims to “outsource” part of the U.S. prison system. The fee would be relatively low for the U.S. but significant for El Salvador, potentially making its prison system financially sustainable.

Of course, legal experts are questioning the legality of deporting U.S. citizens to serve sentences abroad, and human rights organizations have raised concerns but this unprecedented offer has sparked both interest and controversy.

Watch this video

The stats speak for themselves.

These prisoners appear to be learning skills, working with dignity and participating in rehabilitation and personal progress. Of course, this video will show us the sunny side of prison life, but overall the inmates are occupying their time in useful labor. This doesn’t happen anymore in the USA because liberals accused prisons of slavery. Let’s ask ourselves, who is better equipped to deal with the real world on release – El Salvadorans or Americans?

About President Bukele

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele holds the highest approval rating of any world leader, at an impressive 91%.

Born in 1981 in San Salvador, El Salvador, has become a polarizing figure since taking office as President in 2019. Initially a mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán and San Salvador, Bukele broke with traditional political parties to win the presidency under the New Ideas banner.

Effect on El Salvador:

  • Security: Bukele’s aggressive anti-gang policies, particularly the “State of Exception,” have dramatically reduced homicide rates, but this has sparked debate. Critics argue that the mass arrests conducted under this policy might involve human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions and poor prison conditions. However, supporters point to the tangible peace in formerly gang-controlled areas, questioning the extent and validity of these claims.
  • Economic Reforms: His introduction of Bitcoin as legal tender aimed at financial inclusion has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism regarding its long-term economic impact.
  • Public Image: Bukele’s use of social media has crafted a strong public persona, yet there’s skepticism about whether this overshadows deeper governance issues.

Relations with the USA: The relationship with the United States has been nuanced. During the Trump administration, discussions focused on security cooperation, with Trump praising Bukele’s tough stance on crime. There has been the usual bleating and skepticism about human rights from organizations critical of this conservative administration. (These organizations, sometimes funded by sources like George Soros’s Open Society Foundations or receiving UN or USAID funds, are viewed by some as potentially biased against Bukele’s methods.)

In sum, Bukele’s presidency has brought significant changes to El Salvador, both lauded and criticized. The debate over human rights includes skepticism about the sources of criticism, with calls for more transparent and unbiased evaluations of the situation on the ground.

His popularity stems from several key factors:

  • Security Improvements: His aggressive approach to gang violence has significantly reduced crime rates, which has been a major relief for many Salvadorans who previously lived in fear of gang activities.
  • Public Communication: Bukele has effectively used social media to communicate directly with the public, creating a personal connection and an image of a leader who is in touch with the populace’s needs and frustrations.
  • Economic Initiatives: Despite controversies, his economic moves like adopting Bitcoin have garnered both support and attention, although with mixed results.
  • Political Reforms: By challenging the traditional political establishment, Bukele has resonated with voters tired of the status quo, including corruption and inefficiency associated with previous governments.

However, his popularity is not without controversy. The now highly suspect, leftist international cabal approaches him with skepticism regarding human rights abuses, the state of democracy, and the rule of law under his administration.

An aside

US taxpayers should know that their government is using their money to fund communist movements against a democratic elected (and with a 90% approval rating) government in El Salvador.