It is said that distance brings clarity. This has certainly been true for me when visiting other countries and observing their public safety systems. Most recently, a trip to Germany highlighted just how differently the United States approaches incarceration compared to its allies. That trip also crystallized just how poorly America pursues public safety and promotes human dignity.

In the U.S., we say we care about human dignity and rehabilitation. We say we want to promote public safety. But our actions show a different reality. As a result, the American incarceration system produces little benefit to either those caught within the system or those forced to pay for it.