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
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