Dems claim the U.S. too tough on crime; do you agree?

Is the U.S. too tough on criminals?  Depends on who you listen to.  The Lying Mainstream Media say yes, and I suspect most liberals and Democrats agree.  Similarly, I suspect most Republicans say no.

So how often would you guess that a convicted felon is sentenced to more than, say, a year in prison?

You may be surprised to learn that in 2009, in the 75 largest U.S. counties by population, only 36 percent of convicted felons in 2009 were sentenced to prison.  Another 37 percent were sentenced to jail, where sentences top out at one year--but the felon is usually released in a few weeks or months. 

The other 27 percent of convicted felons got probation or "treatment."

And note that these aren't the percentage of those merely charged with a felony, but of those actually convicted of one.

What's even more astonishing is the number of people walking around free with 5 or more felony convictions who've managed to avoid all but a few months of jail time.  The system has left them free to rob and kill again and again, and can't seem to get around to putting 'em away for, say, 20 years as incorrigible, repeat offenders.  This despite 28 states having "repeat offender"/"three strikes" laws designed to do just that.

It would be great if someone would ask all politicians "Do you believe repeat violent criminals should be imprisoned for life after the 3rd or 4th offense, or do you think such laws should be abolished?"  Gosh, if only there was some sort of vocation that paid people for asking things like this.