>This is a very heartwarming story.
>
>There seems to be a shift in the way the public is viewing
>crime here in the States. Instead of looking at crime as a
>inherent evil, it's starting to be viewed as a social sickness
>which can be treated and remedied. There's still among way to
>go until widespread public acts of 'compassionate' social
>programs take hold, but anything that decreases crime and
>gives people a real chance at a decent life is worth angry.

The increase in whites being convicted of drug crimes might help to lead the way in a change in attitude towards treating crime. More with compassion and less with condemnation.