LOCK 'EM ALL UP

Curt Anderson's July 28 article, "Prison costs hold states hostage," misses
the principal point. He states the 2002 national prison population grew
despite a declining crime rate. I would contend that an increasing prison
population means more criminals in jail, which I would expect to result in
a declining crime rate.

I am a proponent of more prisons. What a wonderful world it would be if all
criminals - murderers, rapists, drug sellers and users, for example - were
in prison. Then, law-abiding citizens could walk the streets of our
communities without fear of crime. Personally, I think tax dollars invested
in more prisons is a good investment.

Ronald L. Stewart

Williamsburg