A time to heal

California chooses rehabilitation over jail

In an effort to ease an overpopulation problem within their prison system, Californians have passed Proposition 36 which will send first and second-time non-violent drug offenders to rehabilitation centers rather than jail. In Massachusetts a similar proposition failed this past election cycle - probably because low-level drug dealers were included on the list of rehabilitation candidates. Proposition 36 makes the distinction between non-violent users and dealers or manufactures who affect other people and should consequently be treated as criminals. Because this proposition allows non-violent drug offenders to be rehabilitated rather than simply incarcerated, it is a positive measure.

This new sentencing system may also help alleviate the drug problem that most big cities face. For years, people have complained that the revolving door system of most prisons has not helped users break their habits. As a result, repeat offenders are common because they are not offered adequate rehabilitation services. Drug addicts are often treated as hopeless by the justice system when in reality they can be helped.

Proposition 36 recognizes that drug addiction is a health problem and should be addressed as such. Most drug addicts are a danger to themselves rather than to others and should be helped rather than punished.

Incarcerating non-violent drug offenders is also a racist policy. Studies show that blacks are arrested four times as often as whites for drug offenses. The government should take some responsibility in order to fix this problem.

Proposition 36 is also cost-effective. It is estimated that the state will save about 250 million dollars per year, in addition to the 40 million dollars that the local government will save. Hopefully this will also mean less demand for new prisons, which would also save taxpayers millions of dollars. Proposition 36 has the potential to reduce the prison population by 36,000 inmates each year allowing the prison system to be able to house harder criminals for longer.

The rest of the nation should follow California's lead. Drugs are a major problem in this country and obviously the old system needs to be reevaluated because it has not improved drug use. There are people who believe that rehab will not be as effective as the harsh reality of prison. In time as people are sent to rehab rather than prison they will learn how to change their lifestyles rather than being expected and entrusted to do so on their own with no help at all. Prison postpones the problem, but hopefully rehab can cure it.