Pubdate: Sun, 07 Oct 2001
Source: Press & Sun Bulletin (NY)
Copyright: 2001 Press & Sun Bulletin
Contact:  http://www.pressconnects.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/878
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1723/a08.html

Letter

PRISON ISN'T THE ANSWER TO DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES

The Sep. 30 article on Broome County's racially disproportionate prison 
system failed to mention the controversial practice of racial profiling. 
U.S. government statistics reveal that the drug war is being waged in a 
racist manner throughout the nation.

Although only 15 percent of the nation's drug users are black, blacks 
account for 37 percent of those arrested for drug violations, more than 42 
percent of those in federal prisons for drug violations, and almost 60 
percent of those in state prisons for drug felonies.

Incarceration rates are not the only cause for alarm. Prisons transmit 
violent habits and values rather than reduce them. Rather than waste scarce 
resources turning non-violent drug offenders into hardened criminals, we 
should be funding cost-effective treatment.

Alcohol and tobacco are by far the two deadliest drugs, yet politicians do 
not use scarce resources to destroy the lives of drinkers and smokers. It's 
time begin pursuing policies that acknowledge the negative consequences of 
both drug use and drug prohibition.

Robert Sharpe
The Lindesmith Center
Drug Policy Foundation
Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Beth