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Class will tell
The Bush cocaine controversy should encourage an overdue debate on why drug abuse among the rich is a "disease" while among the poor it is a "crime."
By Joe Conason
[08/24/99]

Relief in the ruins
As the relief effort in Turkey mounts, international humanitarian organizations are seeking contributions for earthquake victims.
By Fiona Morgan
[08/23/99]

Rape as a disciplinary tactic
Prison guards often ignore inmate rape, and even encourage it to punish prisoners who step out of line.
By Christian Parenti
[08/23/99]

Austin, we have a problem
What does his clumsy, evasive handling of rumors of cocaine use do to George W. Bush's much-heralded "electability"?
By Jake Tapper
[08/20/99]

Who is Eliza May?
Is the woman at the center of the Texas funeral home scandal a wronged government watchdog or a Democrat with a political agenda?
By Robert Bryce
[08/20/99]

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Since 1990, the number of inmates in Texas prisons has increased by 154 percent, the biggest increase of any state. Today, Texas has more people on parole and probation than any other state. It also has the highest percentage of adults under community supervision.

Some government officials say the policies endorsed by Gov. Bush are contributing to Texas' booming prison population.

"It's the war on drugs," says Tony Fabelo, the executive director of the Criminal Justice Policy Council. "We had the crack epidemic and more funding by the federal government, so we had an increase in the convictions [sent] to prisons."

According to Fabelo, 21 percent of Texas' 144,000 inmates are in for drug offenses. Of those 27,000, almost half are doing time for cocaine-related offenses. Marijuana offenses account for 6.5 percent. Heroin, amphetamines and other drugs account for the rest of the drug-related convictions.

The demand for treatment exceeds the supply. Last year, nearly 1,000 people on probation were on a waiting list to get treatment. But under Bush's brand of "compassionate conservatism" where incarceration equals rehabilitation, providing treatment to Texans who have exhibited irresponsible behavior is not a priority.
salon.com | Aug. 24, 1999

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