HARSH SENTENCES CHOP CRIME

Michael Litt's March 31 letter is history repeating itself. He suggests that
fines, community service and drug-treatment programs should replace
incarceration [for nonviolent people convicted of drug offenses].

Where have you been, Mr. Litt? That soft approach over the past 30 years led
to a soaring crime rate that mandatory sentencing is correcting. Yes, prison
populations are at an all-time high, but is Litt unaware of the successful
reduction in crime?

It might surprise some, but many people who use and/or deal in drugs also
commit burglary, robbery, check fraud, auto theft and assault. The full
extent of damage and the cost of crime is rarely observed or reported.

There is no dispute that crime and its cost to our communities is being
reduced by mandatory sentencing. I believe additional mandatory sentencing
would be an effective weapon against drunken driving.

The habitual offenders would learn a successful lesson. Do the crime, do the
time. You can't drive intoxicated in an uninsured car and with a suspended
license from a previous offense if you are locked in a cell.