Pubdate: Tue, 22 Jul 2008
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2008 The Dallas Morning News, Inc.
Contact: http://www.dallasnews.com/cgi-bin/lettertoed.cgi
Website: http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n694/a07.html
Author: Robert Sharpe

POLITICS OF ZERO TOLERANCE

Re: "War on drugs undermines the safety of our children - Substances 
need to be decriminalized, controlled, says Joy Strickland," Friday Viewpoints.

Zero tolerance is part of the problem. Illegal drug users are often 
reluctant to seek medical attention in the event of an overdose for 
fear of being charged with a crime. Attempting to save the life of a 
friend could result in a murder charge. Overzealous drug war 
enforcement results in easily preventable deaths.

Also, that turnout at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be rather 
low if alcoholism were a crime pursued with zero-tolerance zeal. 
Eliminating the penalties associated with illicit drug use would 
encourage the type of honest discussion necessary to facilitate 
rehabilitation and save lives.

Robert Sharpe, policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy, Washington, D.C.
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