Pubdate: Thu, 14 Dec 2006
Source: Kennebec Journal (Augusta, ME)
Copyright: 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc
Contact: 
http://centralmaine.mainetoday.com/readerservices/lettertotheeditor.html
Website: http://www.centralmaine.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1405
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1677/a02.html
Author: Robert Sharpe

DRUG ABUSE IS BAD, BUT THE DRUG WAR IS WORSE

Regarding Evert Fowle's Dec. 10 commentary, Kennebec County is not
the only jurisdiction grappling with overcrowded jails. Throughout
the nation, states facing budget shortfalls are pursuing alternatives
to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders. A study conducted by
the Rand Corp. found that every additional dollar invested in
substance abuse treatment saves taxpayers $7.48 in societal costs.
There is far more at stake than tax dollars. The drug war is not the
promoter of family values that some would have us believe. Children
of inmates are at risk of educational failure, joblessness, addiction
and delinquency.

Not only do the children lose out, but society as a whole does too.
Incarcerating non-violent drug offenders alongside hardened criminals
is the equivalent of providing them with a taxpayer-funded education
in anti-social 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
and families 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, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine