Pubdate: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2011 The Calgary Sun Contact: http://www.calgarysun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67 Author: Robert Sharpe Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n096/a01.html CRACKING THE DRUG PROBLEM Re: "Courting common sense," (Feb. 13). A great editorial! There are lessons to be learned from Canada's southern neighbour. During the '80s, New York City applied the zero tolerance approach to crack cocaine. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry was smoking crack and America's capital had the highest murder rate in the country. Crack use declined in both cities simultaneously after the younger generation saw what crack was doing to their older peers. This is not to say no action is needed. Access to substance abuse treatment is critical. Diverting resources away from prisons and into treatment would save tax dollars and lives. Robert Sharpe Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington, D.C. (And victims.) - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake