Pubdate: Mon, 14 Jan 2002
Source: Springfield News-Leader (MO)
Copyright: 2002 The Springfield News-Leader
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/1129
Website: http://www.springfieldnews-leader.com/
Author: Jeff Riggins

JAIL SPACE WASTED ON DRUG OFFENDERS

Why do our laws allow someone who has brutally attacked multiple victims to 
walk free after serving part of a minimum sentence, yet people can be 
locked up for a mandatory stretch when their only crime is hurting themselves?

We must pressure our elected officials to get tough on violent criminals 
rather than put first-time drug offenders in jail for a longer term. Our 
jails are full of nonviolent drug offenders, and the authorities release 
violent people in order to make room for more. This situation completely 
defies reason.

Acts of violence should always be punished more harshly than acts of 
self-destruction. Treat the addicts and lock up the rapists.

Jeff Riggins, Springfield
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom