Pubdate: Mon, 13 Apr 2009
Source: Hill Times, The (Ottawa, CN ON)
Copyright: 2009 Hill Times Publishing Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thehilltimes.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/192
Author: Emile Therien

CANADA SHOULD LEARN SOMETHING FROM AMERICANS' FAILED DRUG STRATEGY

National Public Radio reported on March 28 that New York State 
Governor David Paterson unveiled a landmark deal on March 27 that 
would scrap most of his state's, so-called "Rockefeller" drug laws. 
The system of mandatory prison sentences has been criticized as 
unfair, harsh, and too expensive ever since they were promoted by 
Republican Governor Nelson Rockefeller as part of the 
get-tough-on-crime movement that swept the United States in the 1970s.

If the answer to the crime problem, however defined, is putting 
people in jail, albeit a very expensive form of housing, the U.S. 
would be the safest country in the world. This U.S. jailing 
experience, now with far more than two million of its citizens in 
jail, which preys on the socially, culturally, and economically 
disadvantaged, and fuelled by political expediency, political 
ideology, political grandstanding, racism, media hype, emotion and a 
failed drug strategy clearly demonstrates that putting and keeping 
people behind bars won't deter or eliminate criminal behaviour. 
Tougher sentences and more and bigger jails simply do not prevent crime.

The nefarious consequences of America's failed war on drugs permeates 
every facet of life in that country: health care, education, the 
economy. Can we not learn something from our southern neighbour about 
a failed drug strategy. Or are we slow learners or simply don't care. 
Do we really want to mimic this U.S. experience? On his next trip to 
the U.S., Prime Minister Stephen Harper should visit Gov. Paterson 
and get the facts first-hand.

Emile Therien,

Ottawa, Ont.
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