If we, the Untied States, continue with stiffer penalties, such as mandatory minimum sentences, and the 3 Strikes Law, the majority of the population will soon be behind bars. Many non-violent criminals that can be treated with prevention and intervention are now serving longer and longer sentences due to these stiffer penalties. We, the people of the United States, are paying for the housing of these non-violent individuals when they can be treated and mainstreamed back …showed first 75 words of 1736 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1736 total…behind bars. We need to hold the politicians, the moneymakers, and the media responsible for enormous growth in the prison population. Our hard earned money should not be wasted on the housing of an overpopulated prison system where many of the prisoners can be helped and mainstreamed back into society using programs, such as prevention and intervention, that work. It is way past time to help our society overcome this public health issue. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**