Pubdate: Sun, 26 Nov 2000
Source: Fresno Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2000 The Fresno Bee
Contact:  http://www.fresnobee.com/man/opinion/letters.html
Website: http://www.fresnobee.com/
Forum: http://www.fresnobee.com/man/projects/webforums/opinion.html
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1683/a04.html
Bookmark: For Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act items:
http://www.mapinc.org/prop36.htm
Author: Karyn Poedy

DRUG TREATMENT

I am writing in response to The Bee's editorial, "Drug war weary," Nov. 9. 
Proposition 36 gives treatment to nonviolent drug abusers on their first 
offense. Almost all law enforcement agencies are against the new law.

However, it was in the nation's best interest for Proposition 36 to pass. 
Taxpayers spend billions of dollars to support first-offense drug abusers 
in prison. Why not give them the help they need and keep space in the 
prisons for other criminals?

Drug-treatment facilities that are already functioning should receive some 
of the financial aid that Gov. Gray Davis has been given, and new 
facilities should be opened. On the contrary, Gov. Davis, so far, has not 
done anything to help drug abusers and still has not assigned anyone to 
serve as the director of the department.

Now that Proposition 36 is law, will Gov. Davis come through for us?

The only way this nation is going to improve itself is if the government 
does its part by giving aid to those in need. If the government sticks to 
this new law, success is sure to accompany it.

Karyn Poedy, Fresno
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D