I've never understood why liberals seem so horrified by torture -- but apparently only when it takes place in another country. [Ed. note: Now can we speak to the substance of the story?] The conditions in our jails continue to be a disgrace, and in many places, they're getting worse because they've been outsourced to for-profit companies (and we all know what that means). Yet jail reform is far down on the list of liberal priorities. It's easy to look away because, well, they're the bad guys.

I'm not suggesting that maximum security prisoners be "coddled", as conservatives like to accuse. Yes, I realize inmates are not angels -- but let's get real: Neither are their guards, some of whom sell contraband drugs and other black market items, and trade sexual favors for special treatment. Insisting on human dignity and humane conditions is not some crazy liberal idea, it's simple human decency. And of course, that's not even considering the long-term mental-health damage done to these prisoners by extended isolation. There are other options, including the state freeing enough low-risk drug offenders at other facilities to free up space.

I hope this story gets more traction, because it needs a wider audience: