Pubdate: Fri, 05 May 2006
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2006 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Robert G. Newman, MD
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

REVERSAL OF MEXICO DRUG POLICY BLAMED ON U.S.

Re "Fox Decides Not to Sign Drug Legalization Bill," May 4

In this article about a bill passed by Mexico's Congress calling for 
decriminalization of possession of specified amounts of various 
drugs, The Times refers to "international criticism" of the proposed 
law. But who other than the United States has voiced such criticism?

The U.S. is pretty much alone in refusing to consider alternatives to 
its zero-tolerance, absolute prohibitionist approach to drugs -- a 
policy that has led to a higher rate of incarceration than any nation 
in the world while the availability of drugs has never been greater 
and the prices never lower.

We should learn from our neighbors, not demand their slavish 
obeisance in pursuit of a policy that -- most particularly in the 
United States -- has proved to be such a tragic failure.

Robert G. Newman, MD
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman