Pubdate: Sun, 12 May 2002
Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI)
Contact:  2002 Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Website: http://www.starbulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/196
Author: Michael Spiker
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)

MANDATORY SENTENCES VICTIMIZE ADDICTS AGAIN

To those who advocate prison for the nonviolent drug offender, I must agree
that there are no victimless crimes, but punishment must fit the crime.
There is no justice in a 5-year term for a Vietnam veteran addicted to
heroin or in repeat-offender statutes that dictate mandatory minimums and
extended sentences for the neglected or abused child or adult on ice.

Placing nonviolent addicts in prison is a crime within itself. The victims
are the addicts, their families and the taxpayer. 

Michael Spiker, Inmate Addict
- ---
MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk