Pubdate: Sun, 08 Jul 2001
Source: Florida Today (FL)
Copyright: 2001 FLORIDA TODAY
Contact:  http://www.flatoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/532
Author: Calvina Fay
Note: Fay is executive director of the Drug Free America Foundation, 
Inc., St. Petersburg
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

Second Of Four Guest Columns

OUTSIDERS TARGET STATE WITH DRUG SCAM

Big bucks from outsiders will soon pour into our state to fund a drug 
legalization initiative titled "Right to Treatment and Rehabilitation 
for Nonviolent Drug Offenses."

The ballot initiative, which amends our state Constitution, will be 
funded by three wealthy out-of-state businessmen.

This initiative violates fundamental principles of the American 
system of justice, which is based upon the sound principle that a 
meaningful and negative consequence should be imposed for criminal 
wrongdoing.

It entirely eliminates any negative consequences for those convicted 
- - not once but, twice - of possessing or purchasing drugs. This 
includes all illegal drugs such as heroin, LSD, cocaine,  PCP, crack 
cocaine, marijuana, and Ecstasy. It eliminates punishment for 
misdemeanor and felony offenses.

The proposed amendment eliminates all deterrent effects that the 
criminal statutes are designed to achieve.

It eliminates meaningful restrictions on potentially dangerous drug 
abusers and other offenders,  which could otherwise prevent them from 
influencing or victimizing others by their ongoing criminal conduct. 
And, it removes the leverage that we need to shepherd addicts through 
successful treatment.

This proposed ballot initiative provides a constitutional right "to 
treatment and rehabilitation." When compared to the important rights 
which have traditionally been granted constitutional protection, 
extending a "right" to treatment and rehabilitation for those 
convicted or charged with possessing or purchasing illegal drugs is a 
radical and outlandish concept.

By no stretch of the imagination does a so-called "right" to 
treatment and rehabilitation rise to the level of an entitlement 
worthy of constitutional protection.

The drafters of the proposed amendment are attempting to create an 
exclusive right that may only be enjoyed by convicted criminals.

This constitutional amendment guts judicial authority completely on 
first and second offenses and will destroy our effective drug courts. 
Further, it specifically states that a judge may allow a criminal 
convicted of multiple offenses to elect to receive treatment rather 
than incarceration or even sentencing.

One can only speculate how many times a person can be "rehabilitated" 
under this system. This initiative provides a ready loophole for drug 
dealers and distributors. By making a large number of small purchases 
and arguing that they were not made as part of "the same criminal 
episode," they could assert their "right" to treatment.

Finally, this constitutional amendment, if enacted, will foster 
complex and costly litigation over the meaning of its terms because 
it is full of critical phrases which are not clearly defined. And, in 
the end it will be hardworking, law-abiding Floridians who will pay 
for this debacle.
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe