I'm glad indicted S.C. Treasurer Thomas Ravenel is seeking treatment
for what appears to be a drug problem.

I wish the many poor people in similar positions could get the same
opportunity. But, unlike Ravenel, many accused of a drug violation
can't pick up and go to an expensive treatment center in Arizona,
where the average price for a week's stay is $8,000. Many can't afford
some of the places right here that are more than capable of treating
addictions. There's a chance Ravenel's decision to enter treatment
could gain him leniency. Columbia defense attorney Dick Harpootlian
said in The State on Wednesday that if Ravenel, who has no previous
drug record, is found guilty and can convince a judge he is serious
about treatment, the judge might sentence him to probation with no
prison time. That's a routine outcome in cases involving a
first-offender, depending on the case, Harpootlian said. Ravenel,
indicted on cocaine conspiracy and distribution charges, shouldn't be
locked up.

And neither should thousands of others brought up on nonviolent drug
charges whose real problem is being addicted. Requiring people to
serve time behind bars for nonviolent drug crimes is bad policy. They
need treatment. That's the way it should be regardless of your status
in life. Unfortunately the poor, so often black boys and men, don't
get the same break a man like Ravenel can afford.

Warren Bolton is an associate editor at The State, a Columbia NC newspaper.