Pubdate: Fri, 19 Sep 2003 Source: Pensacola News Journal (FL) Copyright: 2003 The Pensacola News Journal Contact: http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1675 Author: Chris Collins PAYING THE DEBT I am in the Escambia County Jail waiting to be shipped off to prison for the next 82 months. I was sentenced to prison for failing a drug test while waiting for an open bed in a local drug rehab center. My crime was a non-violent drug offense and the only victims in my case will be those of you who pay tax dollars to house, clothe and feed me for the next seven years (along with thousands of others in my same situation). While I admit to having a drug addiction, I'm also in good physical condition and of average intelligence. Wouldn't my debt to society be better fulfilled by cooking, cleaning or even fighting in the Middle East rather than rolling cigarettes in a cell for the next seven years? It would sure give my embarrassing life some meaning to help defend the very freedom I've taken for granted, and it would definitely make my Mom proud. CHRIS COLLINS Pensacola - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFlorida)