Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jul 2003 Source: Oklahoman, The (OK) Copyright: 2003 The Oklahoma Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.oklahoman.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318 Author: Jay Hirsch Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03.n1038.a06.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/women.htm (Women) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) WASTE OF MONEY To The Editor: Regarding "State's High Rate Of Women Inmates Focus Of Study" (News Story, July 10): If cigarettes or alcohol were illegal drugs (and "drugs" are what they are), many more people would be incarcerated for either distributing or using these substances. This is not to condone drug use or seek to make it legal, but incarcerating women for small-time drug use or trafficking doesn't help society at large or those incarcerated for the "crime." The money spent on keeping many of these "criminals" in prison could be more wisely spent. Jay Hirsch Altus - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin