FOOLHARDY DRUG POLICY TO BLAME FOR PRISON EXPANSION

I'm writing about the editorial, "N.C.'s looming prison crisis
requires measured response," (Feb. 22). I have a simple, easy and
common sense solution to your looming prison crisis: Reserve your
jails and prisons for only those who intentionally harm others against
their will. Not gardeners. Not people who use, produce or sell
"unapproved" substances to willing buyers.

Re-legalize all the "unapproved" substances so that they can be sold
in regulated, licensed and taxed businesses for pennies per dose. Then
the term "drug-related crime" will become obsolete.

Then the problem will be what to do with the state budget
surplus.

Kirk Muse, Mesa, Arizona