PRISON INMATE COSTS

In the front-page article July 28 by The Associated Press about the cost of
prison and the continuing rise in population, one needs to keep in mind that
a great deal of the decrease in crime statistics is because the drug
pushers, rapists, robbers and burglars are behind bars. As for the cost of
this, how much does it cost to support outside one drug addict or robber for
a year? Certainly more than the $20,000 a year prison costs.

I am amused by the statement of the Texas ACLU head: "The nation needs to
break the chains of our addiction to prison. ..." How about the obligation
of the criminals to break their habits of crime, turmoil and heartbreak? Get
real!

As someone said, probably the ACLU, what this nation needs is a better
criminal. And what makes a liberal become a conservative? One mugging.

As long as we have a society that is wrought with criminality and a complete
lack of respect for the law and decency, we will need strong and effective
measures. Treatment only helps those who sincerely desire to change their
lifestyles.

No, it is not the solution to our financial problems to speak of letting
more criminals on the street. There are already enough dangers in our
society now to encourage everyone to carry a weapon (licensed of course).

If you haven't been a victim of crime yet, don't worry; chances are that you
will be before long.

K.G. WATSON