RICH GO TO REHAB, POOR SENTENCED TO PRISON

I am a representative of the women at Pekin Federal Prison Camp. We are a
small facility of approximately 250 ladies, mostly first-time, non-violent
drug offenders. Some have addictions; some don't. More importantly, this is
the classic scenario of federal prisons around the country.

I am serving 15 years/8 months for less of a crime than those alleged of
Rush Limbaugh or Noelle Bush. The difference? Rush Limbaugh has money, and
with money comes power. He will be able to buy himself a "Get out of jail
free" card much like O.J. did and Noelle did with the influence of her
father and Uncle George.

When the rich incur difficulties - everything from an affair to an
addiction - it is viewed as a private matter necessitating healing. When
someone from the middle class has the same problem, the answer is to lock
them up in prisons or slap on expensive fines to eliminate the conundrum as
best as we can.

Our sons in Iraq will no doubt suffer from what they have seen and
experienced, much the same as in Vietnam. To cope, some may take drugs. The
bottom line is that the rich go to rehab and the poor go to prison.

John Ashcroft has gone to great lengths to tour the United States promoting
his ideals about uniformity in sentencing practices. What better way to
implement this, Mr. Ashcroft, than by creating justice for all? This would
mean for the rich as well for the poor. Rush and Noelle may never serve a
day in prison. Isn't it time to allow other first-time, non-violent
offenders that same chance?

Ruth Carter

Federal Prison Camp

Pekin