Pubdate: Tue, 26 Mar 2002
Source: Athens Banner-Herald (GA)
Copyright: 2002 Athens Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.onlineathens.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1535
Author: Robert Sharpe, M.P.A.
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n533/a06.html

TACTICS OF WAR ON DRUGS ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN THE TARGET

In his thoughtful March 22 column on Oconee County High School's 
controversial use of drug-sniffing dogs, Ben Bartlett notes that the 
invasive practice has yielded nothing more than a few minor marijuana 
busts. Denying at-risk students the chance to graduate from high 
school won't help them from being productive, taxpaying members of 
society.

Most teen-agers outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving drugs. 
A criminal conviction and record, on the other hand, can be life 
shattering. After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling), 
Clinton opened himself up to ''soft on drugs'' criticism. And 
thousands of Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered 
lives. More Americans went to prison or jail during the Clinton 
administration than during any past administration.

As an admitted former drinker and alleged illicit drug user, 
President George W. Bush is also politically vulnerable when it comes 
to drugs. While youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton or Bush 
from assuming leadership positions, an arrest surely would have. The 
short-term health effects of marijuana are inconsequential compared 
to the long-term effects of criminal records. Drug abuse is bad, but 
the drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe, M.P.A. Drug Policy Alliance, program officer Washington, D.C.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Josh