Crime Bill Should Go Heavy on Prevention

We must all refrain from the political temptation of ``quick fixes'' to the crime problem. The abysmal failure of the mandatory sentences and other ``stick vs. carrot'' approaches of the Reagan/Bush years should be compelling reason to think through the implications of similar solutions before implementing them.

Though not politically popular at the time, investing in eradicating poverty and hopelessness will pay off tenfold in the future. Or we can continue to follow the practice of sticking our children and grandchildren with the bill for our lack of wisdom and foresight. Richard M. Keller, Harleysville, Pa.

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