Pubdate: Sun, 29 May 2005 Source: Charlotte Observer (NC) Copyright: 2005 The Charlotte Observer Contact: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78 Author: Phil Clutts Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n848.a04.html `CALL OFF WAR ON DRUGS'? THINK AGAIN, MR. REESIDE In response to "Call off the war on drugs" (May 26 Viewpoint): Bill Reeside Jr. argues that we shouldn't waste resources on drug programs for people "who aren't adversely affecting anyone's health or property." Surely he knows that people on serious drugs often steal and harm others to support their habit; that they set the tone for their neighborhoods, bringing in a criminal element that repels those fortunate enough to escape; that their lifestyle encourages impressionable youngsters to believe drug-dealing is the quick way to money and recognition; that shared needles can lead to death and that addicts are seldom great parental role models. I agree, however, that new jails shouldn't be built because of the burgeoning population of "criminals" imprisoned for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Phil Clutts Charlotte - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin