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> > That's one of my presuppositions, I guess. I think we're all here to help everybody; that's my interpretation of the Golden Rule. Hence the criminal justice system is here to help the convicted as well as the victims. Not necessarily to make the convicted happy or to do what the convicted wants, but yes, to help the convicted. I believe that's the fundamental duty of humanity.
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> You're absolutely right. It is the fundamental duty of humanity to help others, especially criminals. However, it is NOT a duty of the government to help convicts; it is the duty of government to administer justice. You want to help criminals? Go to your nearest jail and try to help them. That's a much more effective method than trying to get the government to help them for you.

That definition of the government's duty is hardly self-evident, even from the Bible. Rulers are to act justly and love mercy, after all. Kings were often judged for being merciless and uncaring; the Levitical law has many provisions for mercy and even a form of welfare (the gleaning system, the Jubilee, etc.)

And I see the government as an extension of myself. In a democratic society it should be, anyway.

I do try to give back to my community on my own power and with my own resources, but there's no reason I should confine myself to resources other than my vote and my tax dollars. Those are mine to use as I see fit.

Ar"all in theory since he's a minor"thur