CONFLICT OF INTEREST CONTROLS PRISONS

Editor:

In your editorial, "Cages: Reduce Incarceration," [Jan. 6] you missed
an important reason why America abuses its prison system. The United
States overzealously cages humans because the prison industry and its
unions and lobbyists have worked hard to create a financial gravy
train for their own interests, regardless of how it affects the country.

While America is in dire need of credible drug law reform, the prison
industry spends huge sums to perpetuate the problem at the cost of
America's wellbeing. Grotesque conflicts of interest occur when
America has private prisons operating for profit.

Stan White

Dillon, Colo.