Ending mandatory sentencing policies for second-time drug dealers is a step in the right direction — and one I hope my own state of Virginia will follow ("House votes to drop mandatory terms for 2nd-time drug dealers," March 23).
Not only is the legislation politically sound, it is cost effective and morally correct. Mandatory sentences for nonviolent offenses have not resolved the larger issues our society faces: addiction, poverty, inequality and the breakdown in family structures.
Mandatory sentences often beget more of the very problems they are intended to solve by increasing the likelihood of people becoming repeat offenders due to the lack of job opportunities when one has a criminal record. This leads people to break the law just to survive.
Moreover, the harsh reality of serving time often results in people coming out of prison worse than when they went in. The moral plights of violence, rape and gang activity that prisoners encounter are well documented.
Though some prisons provide programs to shift inmates' focus toward reforming their lives, many prisons are sadly underfunded and lack the resources for workforce programs and much-needed therapy.
Being "tough on crime" may have sounded good on paper once but it's clear it hasn't worked out as well as expected.
Ending mandatory sentences is smart policy. The money saved would be far better used for rehabilitation, education and job training programs.
Quiana Fulton, Manassas, Va.