WE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF SUPERMAX PRISON

Contrary to the headline "Coming of supermax meets public approval"
(Sept. 12), not all approve.

We don't get to vote on whether money is spent on prisons or how
prisoners are punished. There is never a referendum on building
prisons as there is for schools. We don't get to say that we would
rather spend money on educating children upfront instead of paying
later to keep them in prison.

While Wisconsin spends great amounts to build prisons to punish
criminals, money for the education of children is doled out by a very
stingy hand. And somehow it is considered OK that those who have the
greatest needs should get less than those who have the most advantages.

Wisconsin willingly throws money into prisons, but anyone who suggests
that more money is needed for schools is accused of throwing money at
the problem. Worst of all, we fail to see the connection between
prisons and schools. Criminals - get them off the street! Keep them in
prison as long as possible, and punish them severely by withholding
amenities!

We love children, but in words only, not deeds. We begrudge them what
they need and distribute it sparingly. We budget as though all
children have the same start in life, upbringing and advantages. We
don't see that a poor start in life often leads to years in prison.

We aren't willing to pay for the front-end care of our children, but
we're happy to pay to keep them in prison later. Wisconsin should be
ashamed of the supermax prison. It is a blatant and damning display of
our priorities.

Madelon Wetor
Fox Point