'Catch & release Bucher' frees suburban addicts

But he can't see the bigger picture

Does Paul Bucher agree with Kathleen Falk that Wisconsin needs to reform the way our criminal justice system deals with addicts?

It certainly sounds like it. In this release about a new Waukesha County program, Bucher says:

"While we do a very good job arresting and prosecuting offenders, it is clear it is not enough. We need to do more to prevent these individuals from coming back into the system ... I am willing to look at something new...we simply cannot continue doing things the same old way because the same results are not acceptable."

This particular program is to deal with alcohol-related crimes, such as drunken driving. But the principles are much the same as what Falk has proposed for treatment of non-violent offenders with drug and alcohol problems.

The court "will integrate substance abuse treatment, sanctions and incentives with case management efforts," the release says.

Bucher has blasted Falk for her suggestion that there must be a better way to handle non-violent offenders, even setting up a Willie Horton-type website to try to frighten people into thinking Falk wants to release dangerous people into their neighborhoods. Joel McNally comments.

But it's OK with Bucher to provide treatment for repeat drunk drivers in Waukesha County. After all, it's not like they're addicted to drugs, right? They're only addicted to alcohol. No matter than anyone involved in treatment programs would say an addiction is an addiction is an addiction.

Maybe those drunk drivers aren't as frightening because they are all nice, white, Waukesha County suburbanites. Bucher's willing to try something new with them, but not even consider a broader program that could save state taxpayers $60-million a year and offer treatment and hope to addicts. Journal Sentinel editorial.

One standard for Waukesha County alcoholics, another for everyone else? Is that what we call equal justice under the law?