Read the Instructions. They Work.

SOMETHING  TO THINK ABOUT

It's one of those times when we follow the instructions and have the great surprise of, "What-a-ya-know, it works!"    I just watched a report on an innovative probation program that the state of Hawaii is using.  "Hope Probation " was developed by Judge Steven Alm.  One of the chief differences between Hope and other probation programs is the immediacy of the consequences for violations of probation.  Typically those on probation are able "to get by with" a series of deviations from their probation requirements before their negative behavior overcomes the inertia of the system, or wears out the patience of the judge and/or probation officers.  Then they are thrown in jail for a significant length of time.  Under Alm's program violators may only be jailed for a couple of days, but the goal is to make sure it happens after--soon after--the first deviation.   Three millennia ago Solomon said,   "Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil."  (Ecclesiastes 8:11)     Apparently the experiment, though it has its critics, is working.  For at least some participants in the program, the timely administration of appropriate consequences has led to an increase in accountability and personal responsibility.     I suggest that we study the manual some more.  The Creator of humans, knows how we operate.   It's STTA.   The News Hour article I watched can be seen here.