“They’re trying to build a prison

They’re trying to build a prison

For you and me to live in

Another prison system

Another prison system

For you and me.”

--The Prison Song by System of a Down (2001)

To the surprise of none and the consternation of many, me included, a new report says that before 2030, Nebraska will need another 1,500 prison beds, even after building a $350-million, 1,500-bed replacement for the aging State Penitentiary in Lincoln.

We have been expecting the facility master plan for the Nebraska Department of Corrections to side with the staunch law and order advocat...