Time behind bars

Re “U.S. receiver presses state on prisons,” April 15

Looks as if our legislators have painted themselves into a corner. They tripped over each other to pass more tough-on-crime laws and supported three strikes, which metes out life sentences to shoplifters and drug users. Now they get the bill and don’t want to pay for their mistakes?

They can form a sentencing commission and review thousands of outrageously long sentences for petty crimes and bring California in line with the rest of the nation. Wake up, Sacramento! It is time to be smart on crime.

Francis Courser

Escondido