Pubdate: Mon, 26 Jan 2004
Source: Bradenton Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2004 Bradenton Herald
Contact:  http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradentonherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/58
Author: Robert Sharpe,

TREAT, DON'T PUNISH

I don't think anyone is going to argue that Rush Limbaugh would benefit 
from a lengthy mandatory minimum prison sentence for violating federal drug 
laws. If drug treatment works for Rush, why not apply the same standard to 
less famous Americans?

Incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders alongside hardened criminals is the 
equivalent of providing them with a taxpayer-funded education in antisocial 
behavior. Turning drug users into unemployable ex-cons is a senseless waste 
of tax dollars. It's time to declare peace in the failed drug war and begin 
treating all substance abuse, legal or otherwise, as the public health 
problem it is. Destroying the futures of citizens who make unhealthy 
choices doesn't benefit anyone. Drug abuse is bad, but the drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe

Policy analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman