Pubdate: Wed, 20 Nov 2002
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Copyright: 2002 Chicago Tribune Company
Contact:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/82
Author: David Diamond
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n2110/a03.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?203 (Terrorism)

COST OF DRUG WAR

Buffalo Grove -- Steve Chapman's "The war on drugs vs. the war on
terrorism" (Commentary, Nov. 10) should be required reading for all
members of Congress.

The war on drugs is really a war on taxpayers. It is ineffective,
costly and cruel. It is estimated that one-half the prison population
is in jail for non-violent crimes such as possessing marijuana. At a
cost of an estimated $40,000 per inmate per year, this enormous amount
of money could be better spent improving living conditions in the inner city.

David Diamond
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