Pubdate: Tue, 01 Dec 2015
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2015 The New York Times Company
Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n667/a04.html

NONVIOLENT DRUG OFFENDERS

To the Editor:

Regarding your thoughtful Nov. 23 editorial "Cut Sentences for 
Nonviolent Felons," mass incarceration is self-perpetuating. 
Nonviolent drug offenders are eventually released back into society 
with dismal job prospects and the equivalent of an advanced degree in 
criminality.

Children of inmates are at increased risk of educational failure, 
joblessness, addiction and delinquency.

Turning nonviolent drug offenders into unemployable ex-cons is a 
senseless waste of tax dollars. If we can reduce highly addictive 
tobacco use without arresting smokers and imprisoning tobacco 
retailers, we can do the same for less addictive albeit illegal drugs.

Destroying the futures and families of citizens who make unhealthy 
choices doesn't benefit anyone.

ROBERT SHARPE

Washington

The writer is a policy analyst for Common Sense for Drug Policy.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom