Pubdate: Mon, 09 Jul 2001 Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA) Website: http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/ Address: 72 Marietta Street, NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30303 Email: 2000 Cox Interactive Media. Forum: http://www.accessatlanta.com/community/forums/ Author D. C. Pratt In My Opinion WORK TO HEAD OFF SOCIETY'S ILLS We are constantly hearing about the need to punish those who break laws and do not fit into the general plan of what is best for our communities. Often we hear politicians speak of the needs for boot camps, more prisons and bigger jails to control crime. I think it is time that we identify causes for such growth in prison population. Too many young men and women are warehoused and branded in our institutions for life, and there is little spent for prevention of crime related to the use of drugs, robbery, rape, dishonesty, vandalism, discrimination and general disrespect for law and order. Most often our institutions of punishment are reserved chiefly for our population in poverty, those who suffer from social and mental illness and those who lack respect for good values in life. We need to work in our communities to solve minor problems before they become major ones. Our schools, churches, civic groups and homes must extend their services of fighting hunger, assisting with basic needs, general education, general concern for others and providing places to give citizens work. We must work together to combat the ills of our communities before they become epidemic. D.C. Pratt Riverdale D. C. Pratt worked in the school system before retiring. He enjoys writing poetry. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth