Conservatives Law and Order Policy Based on Mythology

11th July 2014

“The Conservative Party’s Law and Order current slogan ‘Stand for Something’ should be changed to ‘Stand for Anything’ says Kim Workman, Rethinking Crime and Punishment, in its latest ‘Smart on Crime’ blog.

The full quote is, “If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.” In other words, without a strong belief or conviction, you are more susceptible to other peoples’ arguments and more likely to believe what other people tell you.”

“The emphasis is not on having a position that is supported by the facts, but simply in having a position. Positions of that kind can become in the course of a generation or two, unassailable assumptions; even when there is no empirical evidence for them. And that is how myths are born.”

The Conservative Policy is built on the following myths:
• Myth No 1: That Politicians ignored the 1999 Citizen Initiated Referendum
• Myth No 2: That government has failed to ‘Harden Up’ on Criminals
• Myth No 3: That longer and harsher sentences reduce crime
• Myth No 4: Putting More People in Prison Means Safer Streets
• Myth No 5: That Prisons Work
• Myth No 6: That Victims Have Not Been Supported

“The blog addresses each myth in detail. We believe that there is a place for a strong Conservative Law and Order position leading up to the election, but this isn’t it. In our view, the Conservative Party should look to the ‘Right on Crime’ movement in the United States, which has been highly effective in reducing imprisonment, without compromising Conservative principles.”

“The late John Kennedy comment that the great enemy of truth is not the lie, but the myth, holds true in this case. As he said, “Too often we hold fast to the clichés of our forebears. We subject all facts to a prefabricated set of interpretations. We enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.”

ENDS

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