Pubdate: Fri, 15 Oct 2004
Source: Joplin Globe, The (MO)
Copyright: 2004 The Joplin Globe
Contact:  http://www.joplinglobe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/859
Author: Kathy Guebara
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

LOCK THEM UP

Matt Blunt has a solution for meth users. Lock them up. This is
reminiscent of the archaic laws that put people in prison for being in
debt. His reference to the three strike law in California reveals a
lack of research as it has been determined the three-strike law has
put many low-level, non-violent offenders in prison beds at an
extraordinary cost to the California taxpayer.

People who are addicted to illegal substances need to quit using
drugs. Perhaps they need help to stop using. Taxpayer-supported
treatment is less expensive and does more to solve the problem of
addiction than prison sentences.

Law enforcement across Missouri report it is one of the meth capitals
of the nation. This happened under the same type of government that
puts people with addictions in prison. Matt Blunt's comments represent
more of the same. Claire McCaskill's statement that the three strike
law will overcrowd the prison system reflects the type of foresight
Missouri must have in leadership positions.

Kathy Guebara,

Diamond
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MAP posted-by: Derek