Pubdate: Mon, 29 Jan 2007
Source: Asheville Citizen-Times (NC)
Copyright: 2007 Asheville Citizen-Times
Contact:  http://www.citizen-times.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/863
Author: David Oppenheimer
Note: David Oppenheimer is a professional photographer who 
specializes in live music photography. His Web site, 
PerformanceImpressions.com, showcases his work. He lives in Asheville.

PRISON PUSH ISN'T SOLVING DRUG WOES

Asheville City Council-man Carl Mum-power loves the drug zealot 
spotlight, but seldom do such people really evaluate the results of 
the policies they tout.

Mumpower is quick to tell you how he has gone to crime-ridden areas, 
witnessing and participating in illicit drug sales. He infers from 
his observations that there is an epidemic of illicit drug activity.

While an exaggeration, there is a base core of drug users and 
suppliers just like every other city.

The problem with current drug laws is that they are very severe, 
calling for lengthy prison sentences, which often cause more social 
problems than they help.

Hundreds of police officers across the country have come to the same 
conclusion, that increased enforcement of the drug supply increases 
crime on several levels (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition - 
L.E.A.P. www.leap.cc).

Robberies and other crime increase to cover drugs' higher prices and 
organized crime increases as well. The United States currently houses 
25 percent of the world's prison population. What percentage of our 
population does Mumpower feel needs to be imprisoned before drug use 
would stop - and at what costs to society? Besides their drug use, 
most users have no criminal intent.

While addiction can be devastating, years in prison is often far 
worse. Inflicting the violence and trauma of prison should be a last 
resort for addicts and dealers who also violate other laws while on 
or obtaining drugs, but not for the drugs themselves.

There are many functioning drug users in society who otherwise lead 
productive lives and are supportive to their families. Years in 
prison for people in this category can be detrimental to the 
imprisoned as well as their family. The financial burden can become 
permanent. In addition, the cost to society is very high.

I would like to see Mumpower spend 30 days in the Buncombe County 
Detention Facility and then see if he thinks this is the best we can 
do for people who use and supply drugs but are otherwise law-abiding, 
tax-paying citizens. He may grow compassion for his peers after a 
short time behind bars.

We do not need to lock up more people; we need more social support 
near the people who can use it.

Nutrition, employment, recreation and education programs, dollar for 
dollar, will bring a much greater return on the quality of life for 
all the people in our community while setting an example for others 
that compassion can be an inspiration for positive change for all people.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman