Pubdate: Fri, 11 Nov 2005
Source: Berkshire Eagle, The (Pittsfield, MA)
Copyright: 2005 New England Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.berkshireeagle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/897
Author: Edward L.  Parsons, MD
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n1634.a08.html

CRACK DOWN UPON SERIOUS DRUG DEALERS

To the Editor of The Eagle:

As a worker in the field of addiction, I am concerned about the lack
of understanding of the drug scene in the letters supporting district
attorney  David Capeless in his attempt to send several teenagers to
jail for two years. There is no question that if they sold drugs they
are guilty and should be punished. But the punishment should fit the
crime.

The drug dealers making money and causing serious harm in Berkshire
County are selling heroin, cocaine and OxyContin not marijuana.
These kids were allegedly selling 1/8-ounce bags of marijuana that
sell for about $20, so they make a maximum profit of $10 a bag.
According to U.S.government statistics (SAMHSA.org) 60 percent of
adolescents have smoked marijuana at one time or another, 
but only one percent of the population uses heroin or cocaine. So,
marijuana use  does not lead to hard drugs. Hard drugs kill; marijuana
does not. Are we going to send these kids away for two years where
they will probably be repeatedly raped and some may come back with HIV
infection, instead of cracking down on the serious drug dealers?

Edward L.  Parsons, MD

Great Barrington
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin