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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

A mass incarceration fix

Excellent discussion of cash bail, by Chad Sokol and Will Campbell (“Does cash bail lead to revolving door?” June 2).

However, I disagree with the quoted statement found on The Bail Project’s website, which says that “Pretrial detention accounts for all jail growth in the U.S. in the past 20 years. We cannot end mass incarceration without addressing our indefensible bail system.”

Hopefully, we can end mass incarceration by putting an end to drug prohibition and its powerful, drug-pushing black market. That should reduce the number of new addictions. Further, the number of acquisitive crimes should fall.

People who buy on the black market are paying five to ten times the pharmacy price. When they can buy at pharmacy prices, then they won’t need to raise as much quick cash.

Wiley Hollingsworth

Pullman

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