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By Geoff Metcalf
January 5, 2004
NewsWithViews.com
One of my mottos is: "It is not a question of WHO is right or wrong, but WHAT is right or wrong that counts." Way too often people allow either preconceived opinion or prejudice to overshadow (un)common sense.
Dr. Bill Wattenburg is a California broadcast anomaly. "Dr. Bill" has enjoyed a successful career in a business which focuses on 'form' rather than substance, which routinely eschews form FOR substance. He is a weekend radio talk show host on the legendary KGO in San Francisco.
He is also a world-renowned scientist and inventor (among other things). He has been called the world's smartest man, a mean s.o.b., a crusty curmudgeon and a longer litany of pejoratives and plaudits. However, love him or hate him, Bill has a genuine talent for offering simple solutions to complex problems.
At various times he has done work for the big 'G' government.
- He was instrumental in designing the guidance
computers for NASA's Apollo moon missions.
- He conceived a robot mine sweeper that was utilized
during Desert Storm,
- He invented a temporary kit that restored a
Fresno bridge that was washed away during a flood.
- He was the first to rant against the insidious, poisonous MTBE gas additive.
In addition to brains, Wattenburg has 'brass'. I have always liked the guy. You don't meet many wonks that have been lumberjacks.
Wattenburg recently sent California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger a brief memo with a brilliant idea that deserves serious attention.
When Governor 'Arnold' announced he would cut loose thousands of non-violent prisoners it was an indicator the new Governor had the stones to LEAD. Dr. Bill proposed the next "logical step".
"Send Mexican prisoners back to Mexico�with a profit for Mexico and save hundreds of millions per year for California." Duh!?!? Dr. Bill suggests:
"Now, consider the next logical step that could save hundreds of millions more per year: pay Mexico to take back thousands of their citizens in our California jails. We can actually pay Mexico a profit and save hundreds of millions per year for California. The same is true for all other countries whose citizens we have in our jails. Of course, we offer to take back any Mexican prisoners who are California residents and U.S. citizens.
Just let the media know that you are even discussing this possibility and see the positive response you get."
I told Bill, I remember a 'dead on arrival' idea that Mexico floated shortly post NAFTA in the early 1990s. They apparently offered to vendor our prison population. As I recall they were willing to accept about $5k per prisoner (as opposed to the $20-30k it costs US). It was quickly excoriated (during Clinton administration) as 'unfair' to the convicts. Go figure.
However, Wattenburg isn't suggesting shipping all U.S. convicts to Mexico�just Mexican nationals. "Mexico can keep the prisoners in their prisons for one-quarter of what it costs us in California. We can afford to pay them a profit and still save hundreds of millions per year." Wattenburg notes.
When Bill floated a similar concept in 1978, top Mexican Law enforcement honchos liked the concept. The U.S. State Department threw a hissy fit over Wattenburg's presumption in negotiating treaties with a foreign country.
Okay, don't call it a Treaty. Call it a post-NAFTA business decision. A function of cost benefit analysis to easy an epic fiscal emergency.
Wattenburg says, "So why not try it -- at least discuss it? It costs us more than $20,000 a year for each prisoner in California. It costs Mexico less than $4,000 per year. So, for instance, we could offer to pay Mexico $5000 a year per prisoner and we save $15,000 on each -- or pay them $10,000 and we still save $10,000 per prisoner per year --- forever!"
Sure the Prison Guards Union will have a sonic wedgie over the concept�but I seem to recall they didn't do 'Arnold' (or the state) any favors in the Recall election.
It is an idea that at least deserves discussion. Hey, General Schwazkopf listened to Wattenburg and as a result cheaply and efficiently cleared mine fields. If Schwazkopf could listen and weigh the merits of a concept, should Schwarzenegger do anything less?
When 'Arnold' repealed the brain flatulence illegal alien driver's license bill the illegal immigrant gang went apoplectic and vowed revenge. Wattenburg says, "Here is a issue that will put their backs to the wall if they dare oppose it. How can anyone tell the people of California that they have to pay to keep criminals from another country if there is a far less expensive way to deal with them? Mexico cannot refuse a reasonable offer without seriously undermining their image in the U.S." (and frankly, it becomes a cash cow for them).
Ludwig von Mises noted, "economic history is a long record of government policies that failed because they were designed with a bold disregard for the laws of economics."
Dr. Wattenburg offers a win-win-win solution to a chronic systemic problem. All it requires is LEADERSHIP�and stones.
� 2004 Geoff Metcalf - All Rights Reserved
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"Geoff Metcalf is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host for TALK AMERICA and a veteran media performer. He has had an eclectic professional background covering a wide spectrum of radio, television, magazine, and newspapers. A former Green Beret and retired Army officer he is in great demand as a speaker. Visit Geoff's Web Site: www.geoffmetcalf.com. While you're at it - pick up a copy of Geoff's latest book! E-mail: geoff@geoffmetcalf.com
"Send Mexican prisoners back to Mexico�with a profit for Mexico and save hundreds of millions per year for California." Duh!?!? Dr. Bill suggests"
