Pubdate: Sun, 20 Jul 2003
Source: Honolulu Advertiser (HI)
Copyright: 2003 The Honolulu Advertiser, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
Contact:  http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/195
Author: Tracy Ryan
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Note: To read about the "ice epidemic" in Hawaii, go to
http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Hawaii .

GET LAW ENFORCEMENT OUT OF DRUG PROBLEM

Would you like to see Hawai'i's property crime reduced by 90 percent? How
would you like to see that along with cuts in spending for law enforcement,
a halving of our prison population, improved public health, drugs out of
parks and schools, and less chance your kid will get addicted?

These things are achievable if we get law enforcement out of drug fighting
and turn the problem of addiction over to health authorities, as is being
done in Europe.

Addicts could obtain drugs from competent medical authorities under the
safest conditions at minimal cost. They'd have access to social workers who
can help them find employment, manage their addiction and help them quit
using drugs when they're ready. They'd not be allowed to share their drug
allotment with non-addicts.

The profits and the motivations to steal and to spread drug use to non-users
are eliminated by switching to this model. Addiction would be the only
problem related to drugs. You and I would no longer have to be victimized --
and taxed -- due to someone else's habits.

If you want less crime and less taxes, it's time to let addicts, not the
rest of us, be responsible for their addiction problems.

Tracy Ryan, Chair

The Libertarian Party of Hawaii
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