Pubdate: Thu, 22 Nov 2007
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2007 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Emile Therien
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1347/a01.html?99977

TARGET THE ROOTS OF CRIME

Re: Minimum drug sentences proposed Nov. 21

Ottawa's proposed drug strategy, which includes mandatory minimum 
prison terms for drug dealers, will simply not work. It smacks of a 
strategy driven by hype, emotion and political expediency. It will do 
nothing to reduce the use of drugs in this country. Mandatory minimum 
prison terms will do nothing but swell Canada's burgeoning prison population.

One of the reasons the U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the 
Western world is its draconian drug laws, which include mandatory 
minimum prison sentences and which prey on the socially and 
economically disadvantaged.

Can we not learn something from the U.S. about a failed drug strategy 
that dates back to the 1970s? Or are we slow learners or simply don't 
care? America's punitive laws have not stopped the flow of drugs into 
and the use of drugs in that country.

It's about time we start treating drug addiction for what it is - 
namely a public-health problem. Costly incarceration and political 
grandstanding will never work.

Emile Therien, Ottawa
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