REHAB SHOULD INCLUDE COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP

To the Editor:

After reading the editorial "Programs, not more prisons," Feb. 10, I
agree with the article's stance that our state has more important
things to do with money than spend it on housing repeat offenders. In
fact, that money could be used to help the homeless or be given to
charities.

My main concern however is the aspect of rehabilitation. Although in
many instances rehabilitation can be beneficial, I find that many
people simply go through the motions of the rehabilitation programs so
they can resume their normal lives of doing drugs and drinking.

In my opinion, we already implement clean-up duty and beautification
projects for minor crimes; why not implement the same idea with the
non-violent offenders by having them work on housing projects for
low-income families as well as being required to attend rehabilitation
centers?

Our state already wastes enough money on repeat criminals who go back
to prison as soon as they get released. Why not at least get something
for our wasted taxpayer dollars by having them improve communities or
help build more housing for low-income families?

If the Tennessee taxpayers have to spend money on these individuals,
the least we can expect is for the offenders to give back to the city
and state in the form of community work.

Michael Skeen

Antioch 37013

tempest2000@comcast.net