Here’s my proposal for a better solution:

So many women and men have been incarcerated for crimes that could have been avoided. Yes, better choices could have been made by all of us. But I also believe a better solution than a prison sentence could have been in place. Over the past 20 years lawmakers, federal agents, state police officers and drug task forces all over the United States have been arresting people because of the War on Drugs. This was tactic to imprison a particular race. These laws put major level drug dealers and low level dealers on the same level in the eyes of the law. These Draconian sentences are beyond outdated. If lawmakers would establish a clear evaluation of each drug charge, from the point of arrest to conviction, there could definitely be a better solution:

1) The first thing that has to happen is that each drug charge has to be examined by itself — not what was done in the past, not what someone said, just the charge.

2) The weight of the drugs in the charge should determining how large or small the fine or probation period, rather than dictating the prison sentence. (Also, some type of mandatory therapy program should be necessary to complete your probation.)

3) Then there should be a proper individual evaluation to help the person get the kind of help they need to be a better citizen.

4) During the evaluation a job placement should be made. The proper training and schooling should be made available, so that the individual has better chance of finding work and making money legally.

5) Government and state officials should use grants to provide businesses with finances to hire individuals with drug charges.

These solutions help the person rather than punish them. They give the individual the proper tools to handle the world. They save taxes payers money and keep families together.