I don't think reality is that clear cut. Unless he's talking about sex offenders (and he very well might be), the truth always has a little bit of gray.

Have you thought about what a punishment even a year in jail is. Yet we have no problem throwing 5-10 year sentence at people and calling it "light". Sitting in a cage all day surrounded by sweaty sociopaths isn't seen a harsh punishment, which is astonishing.