Harvey

A serious problem exists in North Dakota, with overcrowded prisons and a shortage of beds. To the governor and Legislature I suggest the problem lies not in having too few beds, but rather in having too many prisoners. The answer is not in building a new prison, or even to expand those already in place. Seek to empty them.

The reason why some inmates are in our jails is not crime, but stupidity. Shamefully, some inmates are "deadbeat dads." And, how are they to make their payments, locked up? Drug and alcohol misuse is influential in major crimes. Meth and other consciousness-robbing poisons allow men and women to make evil choices that are not choices at all, but are the results of being overtaken by a force bigger than reason and self-control. Being restrained in a harsh and abstaining environment is necessary punishment. Paying one's debt to society is a must. Then what?

Where are the reform efforts and programs needed to encourage our inmates to change for their good? Why can't our taxpayer money be spent on preparing inmates for a productive life outside, rather than just locking them up? Many have become discouraged, depressed, embittered and hard-hearted. This is no progress.

I suggest a committee to re-evaluate individual potential, aptitudes and work ethic, and then place them in either the military or a job. Granted, this won't encompass 100 percent, but even a few hundred would ease our problem of overcrowded jails.

To save millions of dollars, let us direct our tax monies toward helping inmates be converted into positive contributors to our society. I urge the Correctional Facility Review Committee to evaluate North Dakota incarceration with a view toward returning those who are able to productivity, to their families and to self-worth; others may need more time and change. Do some strict follow-ups if necessary, but stop wasting valuable human aptitude by restricting them to a bed.