3 Strikes and You're OUT!

Awhile ago, in American Studies class, we touched on the topic of the '3 strike law' that is in several U.S states, including California. My opinion on this subject is that this is NOT the way to go, it isn't fair that if someone robs a conveinance store three times they can be given the same sentence as a murderer or drug runner. It also doesnt seem practical  or cost effectiveto keep so many people in prison for so long. According to the site I linked to, Californians spend 6.1 billion a year on their jails and penal systems, and the number of Californians in jail has increased sevenfold in just 20 years. To me, that just seems ridiculous and against the old saying 'Land of the Free'.