THERE ARE NO WINNERS WHEN IT COMES TO DRUGS

I would like to clarify a statement from my June 18 letter, "Public's
misconceptions about the prison system." When I said I had never harmed
anyone, I was referring to physical harm.

In response to Barbara Gomez's June 24 letter, "All crimes are harmful to
the victims," I want to say that I know more than anyone how many people I
hurt. During my addiction to cocaine, I lied, stole, cheated and
manipulated everyone I came in contact with. I stole from my family,
neglected my duty as a father and lost any semblance of self-respect.

I agree with what Gomez said concerning victims of break-ins. All crimes
harm people. My statement in my previous letter was misunderstood .

There is a difference between committing a crime and being criminal-minded.
I never set out to harm anyone purposefully. I was in the grip of a drug
that had control of my life, and I did some things I am ashamed of because
of it.

Most of all, I harmed myself. I gave up my freedom, my family, my rights as
a citizen and the ability to live a normal life. Every morning I realize
the reality of what drugs cost me.

I would like to apologize to victims of break-ins who read my previous
letter. And I hope I have corrected a vague statement. There are no winners
when it comes to drugs and alcohol -- only losers.

Walter Shane Hilliard

Lumberton Correctional Institute