> The shift to tougher penal policies three decades ago was originally credited with helping people in poor neighborhoods by reducing crime. But now that America’s incarceration rate has risen to be the world’s highest

But the crime rate has been steadily decreasing since then. Oh, except for the bump related to the "crack epidemic." Which is exactly what the guy was dealing.

> they don’t see what good was accomplished by keeping him there for two decades

Keeping him away from law-abiding citizens for two decades was accomplished.

Don't get me wrong. It is a sad story. And I sympathize with someone who didn't see a better way for himself than crack dealing but what about all those other people, the society at large, who don't want to be afraid to walk after dark, don't want their property vandalized...?