REHAB, NOT PRISON

End the "War on Drugs" = fewer arrests = fewer felons = fewer prisons
= more state money = better public education = more opportunity
economic stimulation = less crime and more civic engagement = more
egalitarian society = true democracy.

The USA is the world leader in the use of imprisonment against its
population. Our "lock-up" rate is five to eight times that of Canada
and Western Europe-a shameful legacy for a nation that proclaims
itself a beacon of democracy around the world.

The choice to cage our people at astronomical rates has taken place
over the past 30 years due to our draconian sentencing laws and drug
policies. Let's collectively say "NO!" to this Dark Ages thinking and
"YES!" to creating excellent rehab opportunities, educational
opportunities and a renaissance in our collective and diverse American
culture.

Evanne O'Donnell

Chico