Jail space is sometimes taken up by truants, shoplifters and those in contempt of court. This system is something government can fix. But the real, long-term solution will require a much broader effort. Several years ago, I went out with Gary, the foreman at our ranch, to move cattle up on Parker Mountain. We came to an old lake bed, and there was an unmarked calf that had been born on the range.
Calves receive a mark in their ear that identifies the owner.
Now, you need to know I'm no roper. I chased that calf up and down that lake bed for the better part of an hour, until it was tired enough for me to slip the rope round its neck. Gary marked it. I have long remembered Gary's response. There's kind of an unwritten law among those of us who run cattle down here.