Letter: ‘Debtor’s prison’ a stain on the character of the community

As a Unitarian Universalist minister recently relocated to the Tri-Cities, I’ve learned of an offensive practice: a “debtors’ prison” that levies court costs and fees on indigent persons.

I wonder why such a practice? Is it to help pay for government services and avoidance of progressive tax structure? Or is it hubris against those who have less, the addicted among us and the struggling poor? It appears it involves all those who have little.

Surely better ways can be instituted to have these offenders ‘pay’ for their crimes: community service helping the varied social agencies that struggle to cope with the fallout of a distorted economy and the many social challenges, creative deterrents and rehab options, and extended pay out of reasonable fees and fines.

This practice is a stain on the character of any community that seeks to exemplify a desirable quality of life and live by a code of morality reflective of the ideals of American compassion and justice. It is an insult to a positive constructive justice system that could give offenders chances to learn, reform, and contribute.

Aren’t we better than this?

Pasco

This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 6:33 PM with the headline "Letter: ‘Debtor’s prison’ a stain on the character of the community."