Pubdate: Fri, 04 Oct 2002
Source: Stillwater News Press (OK)
Copyright: 2002 Stillwater News Press
Contact:  http://www.stwnewspress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/789
Author: Deanna Homer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/traffic.htm (Traffic)

OLD VS. NEW

According to Abigail Trafford, Washington Post staff writer, the film 
"Traffic" certainly got all the parts of the drug-trafficking world right. 
To sit through the movie - the violence, death, corruption and sorrow - is 
to get an education in how the nation's war on drugs has failed. "Traffic" 
has changed the debate on drugs. No one is talking about simple answers in 
the old-style, polarized lock 'em up vs. treat 'em. The movie makes it 
clear both sides - the law enforcement and the treatment side - need an 
overhaul. With the upcoming race for D.A., it is clear the incumbent is 
running an old-style lock 'em up and throw away the key campaign. He is 
content to continue the current failed policy of incarcerating all users of 
"some drugs" in the vain belief that if we incarcerate enough people, the 
war will be won. It is equally clear that a vote for Steve Holcombe is a 
vote for reflection on the nation's drug laws, that some consideration will 
be given to the idea that the war on drugs is a war on us . the destruction 
of the lives of non-violent offenders and the bankrupting of the state's 
resources.

Deanna Homer,

  Stillwater
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