The Price Of Punishment Reader Reaction To Prison Series Draws Raves, Criticism For System
Last Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, The Spokesman-Review published “The Price of Punishment,” a series about Idaho’s costly prisons. Readers were asked to share their opinions and suggestions for improving the prison system. Here are some of their comments:
“Idaho should adopt standard sentencing guidelines such as those in Washington and also develop halfway houses so parolees have an opportunity to get on their feet when they are released into society.”
-Kerry Howell, Coeur d’Alene.
“I think what they’re doing is just fine. I would like to see them crack down harder on drugs in Sandpoint. That’s a major problem and needs to be enforced.”
-Lewis McGowan, Sandpoint.
“I think Idaho is going to fill their jails up with drug dealers. I agree with the (mandatory) minimum prison sentence for sexual abuse of a child. I also think there should be a (mandatory) minimum prison sentence for repeat offenders of drunk driving, probably even the first time. The way I read it, though, they’re going to fill their jails with drug dealers.”
-Dick McInerney, Spokane.
“I think you missed an important issue: the families of these men who are in prison and the cost that society is bearing for the children and families of these nonviolent offenders.”
-AnnaLisa Ludwig, Spokane.
“I would like to see Washington mirror Idaho’s philosophy on crime. I don’t think writing bad checks or having small amounts of marijuana should be punishable with prison. I do believe any kind of a violent crime or a crime that involves a weapon even if violence isn’t present, should result with long prison sentences. I think Washington, in those regards, should increase the sentencing of criminals. Idaho’s crime rate is among the lowest in the nation. It works and I’d be willing to pay for more prisons and to get criminals off the street.”
-Joel Novin, Spokane.
“I find it ironic in a state where we have pride in small government we have so many new laws being passed, especially with the super-majority of Republicans in the Legislature. If we pass too many restrictive laws, we’ll lose our rights as citizens. And with prisons that offer very little rehabilitation, the recidivism rate is likely to be quite high, meaning that we will not only get new people in prison, but the old people back and back and back. It will be an unbelievable construction project.”
-Craig Stempf, Coeur d’Alene.
“Prison terms are not the answer. What you need is severe punishment. The punishment you need is a punishment that will scare the hell out of anybody. If they want to molest children, take their eyesight away, what they can’t see, they can’t touch. Drug dealers, take their hearing away. I guarantee it will stop crime, that type of crime, instantly.”
-Steve Moore, Hayden Lake.
“It’s all about the budget. They’re putting people in prison for nonviolent crimes. This is ridiculous. Prison should be for rapists, murderers, robbers, extortionists, arsonists, child molesters. You shouldn’t put people in prison for writing a bad check or having a joint. You’re letting a murderer out to put in a guy who gets caught with a $10 piece of crack. It’s all politics.”
-William Hall, Spokane.
“I think the prisons in Idaho are doing a great job. If Washington would do that we would have less crime and the dangerous people off our streets. Idaho’s laws are perfect. We need laws as strict as theirs.”
-Lisa Long, Spokane.
xxxx Previous articles in this series Last Sunday: Idaho’s crime rate is low, but its prison population is soaring from a flood of get tough laws aimed at locking up even minor criminals. Last Monday: Anti-crime legislation is passed in a highly charged atmosphere in which being soft on crime is considered a sin and any mention of costs seems crass. Last Tuesday: Idaho’s parole system excels at keeping the worst offenders behind bars, but it can be slow in moving less dangerous offenders back into the community.