Pubdate: Sun, 11 Jan 2009 Source: Charleston Gazette (WV) Copyright: 2009 Charleston Gazette Contact: http://www.wvgazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/77 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n021/a10.html Author: Stan White CONFLICT OF INTEREST CONTROLS PRISONS Editor: In your editorial, "Cages: Reduce Incarceration," [Jan. 6] you missed an important reason why America abuses its prison system. The United States overzealously cages humans because the prison industry and its unions and lobbyists have worked hard to create a financial gravy train for their own interests, regardless of how it affects the country. While America is in dire need of credible drug law reform, the prison industry spends huge sums to perpetuate the problem at the cost of America's wellbeing. Grotesque conflicts of interest occur when America has private prisons operating for profit. Stan White Dillon, Colo. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake