The reviews are in

My only quibble with Dan Gardner's latest is that it's limited to a discussion of crime policies when the message rings equally true for virtually every other file as well (tax policy, anyone?). But this would still seem to be an important message to spread:

The essential thing to bear in mind when examining the Harper government's policies on crime is that they are not about crime. They are about politics.

I do not write this lightly. People generally believe what they say they believe. If the Tories say they believe their policies are important and necessary for the public good, we should take them at their word -- unless there is evidence to the contrary.

Unfortunately, there is plenty of evidence to the contrary. Since taking power, in part thanks to tough talk on crime, the Harper government has consistently introduced small, cheap, crowd-pleasing reforms at the most politically opportune moments. It has passed redundant laws. It has passed laws it knows will be struck down by the courts. It has delayed passing popular bills, preferring to keep them handy for the next political opportunity. And, most tellingly, it has refused to make serious and substantial changes that wouldn't be so politically sexy -- tackling the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, for example.

So we should be suspicious about the government's announcement that it will eliminate so-called sentencing discounts for time served awaiting trial.

Is it broadly popular? Absolutely. Will it please the Conservatives' disgruntled base? Certainly. Will it make streets safer or the justice system more just? Not in the slightest.

It's just another small, cheap, crowd-pleaser tossed out to score political points.

Edit: added Geddes link.