Pubdate: Fri, 11 May 2001
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2001 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78
Author: Sonya Ross, Associated Press

BUSH NAMES DRUG FIGHT CHIEF KNOWN FOR HARD LINE

WASHINGTON -- President Bush chose John Walters, a get-tough figure
from the drug wars of his father's presidency, to lead a renewed
narcotics battle that he promised would be sensitive to the "human
tragedy" of drug addiction.

Bush's announcement Thursday drew immediate objections from several
groups who contended Walters cares little about drug treatment and
will return to lock-'em-up policies of the 1980s.

And that, in turn, annoyed Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy
Thompson, who said Bush fully intends "a total frontal assault against
drug abuse" through a combination of rehabilitation, education and
interdiction.

"I'd tell those cynics out there, look at what the president has been
trying to do," Thompson said.

"Listen to what's said. And just get out of our way if you're going to
be a cynic, and let us do our job."

Bush announced his selection of Walters as director of the Office of
National Drug Control Policy during a Rose Garden ceremony, and said
he would keep the post Cabinet-level.

In a tacit rebuke of his predecessor, Bill Clinton, the president said
too little had been done lately to curb the drug use that had been
declining among high school students in the 1980s and early 1990s.

"We had made tremendous strides in cutting drug use. This cannot be
said today," Bush said. "We must do, and will do, a better job."

Walters pledged to protect children, help drug addicts and "shield our
communities from the terrible human toll taken by illegal drugs."

Leaders of some advocacy groups said they were concerned about the
appointment.

"Everything about John Walters' past record suggests that he believes
drug policy has nothing to do with science or public health. It's all
about punishing people for their sins," said Ethan Nadelmann, director
of the Lindesmith Center, a drug policy research institute.
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