Pubdate: Fri, 25 May 2007
Source: Tribune-Georgian, The (GA)
Copyright: 2005sThe Tribune-Georgian
Contact:  http://www.tribune-georgian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3841
Author: Kirk Muse

LEGALIZING DRUGS WOULD HELP WITH JAIL OVERCROWDING

I'm writing about Jason A. Ludwick's letter:  "Jail overcrowding has 
simple and inexpensive solution" (5-23-07).  I agree with Ludwick 
that there is a simple and inexpensive solution to jail overcrowding 
situation but it's not putting prisoners in tents.

The simple, common sense way to eliminate your jail and prison 
overcrowding situation: reserve you jails and prisons for only those 
who intentionally harm others against their will.

Not gardeners.  Not people who use, produce or sell to willing buyers 
"unapproved" substances.

Then sell the "unapproved" substances to willing buyers in licensed 
and regulated business establishments.  This will eliminate drug 
dealers as we know them today.  And this will make the term 
"drug-related crime" obsolete.

Will we still have drug addicts?  Yes.  Will drug addicts need to 
rob, steal or commit acts of prostitution to obtain money to purchase 
their drugs?  No.

Will the jail and prison guards object?  Yes.  Will the jail builders 
and prison builders object?  Yes.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.