Letters to the Editor

This was published in the Herald-Leader and a shorter version later in the Kentucky Post.

April 28, 2005
Dear Editor:
Herald - Leader Editorial page

"Kentucky is 'Best' in something else."
Fastest Growth Rate in the Region?

Did the Herald - Leader reader notice that Kentucky's growth rate among Ohio Valley states clearly beats all the surrounding seven states in at least one area; Growth in prison population? Headline: "1 in 138 Americans is in Prison," Monday, April 25, page. A9.

In the number of prisoners in state and federal corrections, Kentucky'S rate of growth, compared with the average of the seven surrounding states, is not twice, not three times, but almost four times the average rate of all seven surrounding states, a percent change of +8.5 percent from 2003 to 2004.

Is this because we simply have that many more criminals in Kentucky? or possibly because our sentencing policies are now the harshest in the region? Who are these and how is this happening? The vast majority are there for drugs, using or selling.

Our local jails and prisons are overcrowded, sometimes so many in county jails that inmates are living in Third World conditions. Even when volunteer programs are offered, some county jail staff is too busy with the overcrowded warehousing of inmates to accept the offer.

We are paying so much for warehousing ($300 million per year in Kentucky) there is nothing left for rehabilitation. If we take time to examine the situation, we shall find that we are simply punishing addictive behavior by incarceration--mostly without rehabilitation, so 2/3 are back in jail within three years.

Are our current sentencing policies creating a new underclass of those trapped in addiction, joblessness and resentment?

Is this a system of justice? Are these policies protecting our communities, or in fact undermining our safety and security? Who will examine and speak to these issues?

Paschal Baute
4080 LOfgren Ct.
Lexington, Ky 40509
tel 293-5302
email pbbaute@paschalbaute.com