thebig01000100

Do you think Trump is an intelligent man? Do you think our culture would allow the same successful prison system in Nordic countries to be implemented here? What are the biggest problems in your opinion that come from the southern culture of NC, SC, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee?

Excellent answers. I think I wasn't clear on the second question, so let me elaborate. In america, our prison system is built with an emphasis on punishment for a crime. In Nordic countries, prisons are built with rehabilitation in mind (teaching trade skills, therapy, education, etc.). I think most statistics point to that as a reason for low reincarnation rates.

Would that system work in America? It would certainly cost more money, which I suppose could correlate to a more socialist agenda (as it could classify as welfare-style spending). One of the main flaws people point out is the thought that American criminals are more hardened than the Nordic counterparts, which would render the system usless. Much like gun control in europe, what works there won't necessarily work here because of cultural differences.

I'm learning French, I'm working to get into grad school for planetary geology, and I really want to do what you do one day. I have three questions if you'd be so kind:

What would be the most useful thing to do if I wanted to study what you do as a career?

How could a college student get involved and at least learn from what you are doing now?

What are some of your favorite geological discoveries you have made?