Pubdate: Tue, 27 May 2008
Source: News & Observer (Raleigh, NC)
Copyright: 2008 The News and Observer Publishing Company
Contact: http://www.newsobserver.com/484/story/433256.html
Website: http://www.news-observer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/304
Author: Rick Barney

THE JOKE'S ON US

Regarding Barry Saunders' May 20 column "The price of prison, 
hilarious": State Rep. Ronnie Sutton provided the legislature with a 
positive, progressive idea. Prison is not the answer for 
drug-addicted individuals who make up the highest percentage of 
inmates. Prevention or education is less expensive emotionally and 
financially than prison. Spending thousands of dollars to keep 
someone incarcerated is not the answer. The legislators laughed at 
Sutton's proposal, but Saunders was right -- the joke is on us if we 
continue to pay for close-minded legislators.

Rick Barney
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