Pubdate: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 Source: Greenville News (SC) Copyright: 2003 The Greenville News Contact: http://greenvillenews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/877 Author: Keith Housand STOP ARRESTING PEOPLE FOR VICTIMLESS CRIMES So Mike Fair thinks raising taxes on alcohol to pay for budget shortfalls in law enforcement and prisons is a nifty idea? (Feb. 8 commentary: "Those who cause the problem should pay for the solution.") I've got a better idea. Stop arresting people for victimless crimes. This will allow the state to re-focus limited budget resources on the real criminals, not just the people whose lifestyle you disagree with. Since 30 percent of the state's prison population is related to drug laws, the savings would be dramatic. Now do not misunderstand me. If your bad habit directly endangers others, as is the case with driving under the influence, the state has a real interest in curtailing that behavior. But the harm the state has done to individuals under the guise of protecting them is enormous. It is twisted logic that enables the state to take people's property, kidnap them at gunpoint, extort money from them and lock them away for years and justify that they are doing it for their own good. Increase taxes? No. Increase freedom? Yes. Keith Housand Greenwood - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens