Pubdate: Thu, 27 Mar 2008
Source: Ledger, The (Lakeland, FL)
Copyright: 2008 The Ledger
Contact:  http://www.theledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/795
Author: Carl Reed

GOV. CRIST, MARIJUANA

The governor admits he used marijuana in the past. Yet he supports
current law that has put 20,000 Florida inmates in jail for committing
nonviolent drug offenses. Had he been caught he would have a criminal
record and might not be eligible for public service.

Florida is spending hundreds of millions of dollars building new
prisons, with 100,000 inmates to date, $19,00 per year per person
currently. Once released, without treatment, most will recycle back to
jail.

The U.S. has 5 percent of the world's population and 66 percent of the
consumption of illegal drugs.

Effective treatment for drug abusers, many of whom are also mentally
ill, costs much less in dollars and saves lives.

If we don't concentrate on treatment, before too long half our folks
will be in jail and the other half guarding them.

Carl Reed, Lakeland
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake