News (Media Awareness Project) - US TX: PUB LTE: A Broken Justice System: Best Set 'Em Loose |
| Title: | US TX: PUB LTE: A Broken Justice System: Best Set 'Em Loose |
| Published On: | 2006-11-30 |
| Source: | Houston Chronicle (TX) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-12 20:41:31 |
A BROKEN JUSTICE SYSTEM: BEST SET 'EM LOOSE
Harris County is not the only jurisdiction that is grappling with overcrowded jails. Throughout the country, states facing budget shortfalls are pursuing alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders.
Every additional dollar invested in substance abuse treatment saves taxpayers $7.48 in societal costs, but there is far more at stake than tax dollars.
The children of inmates are at risk for educational failure, joblessness, addiction and delinquency. Not only do children lose, but society as a whole does, too.
Incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders alongside hardened criminals is the equivalent of providing them with a taxpayer-funded education in antisocial behavior.
Turning drug users into unemployable ex-cons is a senseless waste of tax dollars.
It's time to declare peace in the failed drug war and begin treating all substance abuse -- legal or otherwise -- as the public health problem it is. Destroying the futures and families of citizens who make unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone.
Drug abuse is bad, but the drug war is worse.
Robert Sharpe, Policy Analyst, Common Sense For Drug Policy, Washington, D.C.
Harris County is not the only jurisdiction that is grappling with overcrowded jails. Throughout the country, states facing budget shortfalls are pursuing alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders.
Every additional dollar invested in substance abuse treatment saves taxpayers $7.48 in societal costs, but there is far more at stake than tax dollars.
The children of inmates are at risk for educational failure, joblessness, addiction and delinquency. Not only do children lose, but society as a whole does, too.
Incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders alongside hardened criminals is the equivalent of providing them with a taxpayer-funded education in antisocial behavior.
Turning drug users into unemployable ex-cons is a senseless waste of tax dollars.
It's time to declare peace in the failed drug war and begin treating all substance abuse -- legal or otherwise -- as the public health problem it is. Destroying the futures and families of citizens who make unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone.
Drug abuse is bad, but the drug war is worse.
Robert Sharpe, Policy Analyst, Common Sense For Drug Policy, Washington, D.C.
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