Pubdate: Tue, 23 May 2006
Source: Times Union (Albany, NY)
Copyright: 2006 Capital Newspapers Division of The Hearst Corporation
Contact: http://www.timesunion.com/forms/emaileditor.asp
Website: http://www.timesunion.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/452
Author: Detective John Monte, Albany Police Department

DRUG WAR STARTS WITH PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

The intent of any penal code is to hold people accountable for their 
actions, as it is impossible to rid our society of any one particular crime.

The argument against the current drug policy is baseless and relies 
on anecdotal evidence for its foundation. Here are the myths revealed:

Myth 1: There is no "drug war." That was a phrase used decades ago to 
catch a headline. Illegal drugs are a violation of our penal code, 
which was enacted by our elected Legislature. Is there a war against 
murder, robbery, burglary, rape and larceny and, if so, are we losing 
that war also, because these crimes still occur? So is the answer to 
ignore these crimes as well, hence saving the taxpayers money, or 
should we hold these criminals accountable? Easy answer on that one, I guess.

Myth 2: Drug users are being put in prison for long sentences and not 
receiving treatment. No, no, no. I have never met an officer, 
assistant district attorney or judge who wants to put a drug user in 
prison. Although the rehabilitation part of our system is indeed the 
biggest failure of current drug policy, I still believe users should 
get treatment, but not dealers.

Myth 3: Drugs are a nonviolent crime. Illegal drugs are the primary 
driving factor in most of our street violence and a good portion of 
domestic related violence. Further, any politician who tries to sell 
you that bag of goods should lose your vote forever.

Removing a drug dealer from our streets sets the example for others 
and holds that individual accountable for his or her actions. The 
second you give up on personal accountability is when you give up on 
your community.

To David Soares: You're a nice guy, do the job you were elected to do 
by enforcing the laws of this state. Leave the legislation to those 
who were elected to do so. Talk is nothing, deeds are everything.

Detective John Monte

Albany Police Department
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman