Pubdate: Sun, 30 May 2004 Source: Times Union (Albany, NY) Copyright: 2004 Capital Newspapers Division of The Hearst Corporation Contact: http://www.timesunion.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/452 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n763/a02.html Author: Peter Armand Favata Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?140 (Rockefeller Drug Laws) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) MANY DRUG OFFENDERS HAVE LONG CRIMINAL RECORDS Robert Sharpe's May 22 letter, "Foolhardy Rockefeller Drug Laws destroy lives," while containing a number of valid points, also perpetuates the falsehood of a benign "nonviolent drug offender." Many of the so-called "nonviolent" drug offenders have long criminal histories. Chances are that the system was lenient with them for their first or second offense, providing it was minor. As the number of offenses grew, so did the length time the individual was sentenced to serve. As far as treating drug abuse as a public health issue, I agree to a point. Treatment and education are fine insofar as the individual wishes to change. I have encountered numerous individuals who have gone through several rehabs only to return to destructive ways after release. There's no magic formula. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. One last thought. Man has sought to alter his consciousness through various substances since the dawn of time. Society has limited options in dealing with this. Enforce the drug laws on the books, don't enforce them or enact some form of legalization. Each option has a cost both in human terms and money. Legalization, which has been touted a solution, would still require government regulation and law enforcement. PETER ARMAND FAVATA, Correction Officer, Albany County Correctional Facility - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl