my comment was in relation to the grandparent post's:

> cost the government $65k to imprison someone, but that money isn’t disappearing

which is wrong, because it _is_ disappearing.

Your argument is unrelated - it sure would be good if people didnt commit crimes for which incarceration is required, but it doesn't mean the cost has benefits. It simply has to be done; i would liken it to getting sick, and the healthcare costing money. That money, as far as you are concerned, disappeared, as it brought you no lasting benefit, even tho you must spend it.