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Rating: 
Summary: View from a non-Colson insider
Review: It is sad to see a professional critique that is so shallow. The major point that Colson makes in the book is that the rise in crime is a moral problem, and a problem of morality. I know that it's popular to put everything in "Right" and "Left" political terms, but when it comes to the criminal justice system those labels make little sense, and Colson is very careful to say that to the extent that both have tried to "Fix" the system both have been wrong. What is needed and evaluation of what works and what doesn't. As one who has spent the last seven years working in prison ministry, I was impressed at how well Colson presented what we all see. I have never worked with Colson's groups, I can't sign the pledge they require, but I'm a great admirer of their organization. The place where I think the book breaks down is in the conclusion, and recommendations. Colson sites several different programs, but doesn't offer a grand vision... I wish he would, but I'm afraid, that like many real world problems, there isn't a simple solution. Success requires men to change their hearts, and that can't be done en masse, but only one heart at a time.
Rating:
Summary: Piercing Insights -With The Data To Back Them Up
Review: Logical, well thought out, with real examples in a very readable style. An experienced attorney, Colson makes his case very well. As an ex-convict who has visited over 600 prisons in the last 26 years he writes as one who ought to know. Liberalism's explanations of the cause of crime, and therefore liberalism's solutions, are well intentioned but deeply flawed. Likewise, conservative explanations and solutions (which include most of Colson's former views) are equally flawed. The answer is somewhat of a hybrid of the two based upon a different set of assumptions. Whatever the answer is, let's agree on what the answer is NOT. With one in every 32 adult Americans in prison, on probation or parole our current system is a colosal mess. It is not sustainable. We say we are looking for fresh ideas and real answers. Here's a guy that has some, and he can prove that they work. We owe him a fair hearing. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: There is another side to the Moon!
Review: This book is superbly written and well documented. He has a section describing the Changing Character in Crime which just simply will send chills up your spine. Throughout the book Colson is asking, What is the Remedy? What is Justice? What Must We Do? He does not tip toe around these questions. He presents historical examples and modern statistics and you must decide. I especially liked the Alternative Sentencing section. Not giving the Judges the power to lessen the sentence of a horrific crime but at the same time not overloading the prisons with minor crimes and then be forced to release sentenced criminals by the courts. He looks at the common sense cost and effectiveness of present sentencing. Towards the end of the book he does point to prison systems that are working. And the stats show the reduction of recidivism as a result of these new faith based prisons. Personally I do not understand why these newer systems cannot be seen as win-win-win situations. The taxpayer saves money, the prisoner does not return to jail, and society gets a responsible citizen back in society. I cannot understand a less than excellent review being given by a person that has not served in a prison system. I serve in the Ct. Dept. of Correction and after reading this book not only are my eyes are open to reality but so is my mind. There really needs to be a better way than what we are doing today and I believe that at the very least this book should get the legislatures, wardens and citizens asking, no demanding for positive changes. I would love to see what would be the result if every warden in a state be given this book to study and then to come together with Mr. Colson, The Governor and the Commisioner of Correction. Mr. Colson needs to write another book in this vein of thought. This book went by way too soon.
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