Pubdate: Wed, 14 Aug 2013
Source: Morning Call (Allentown, PA)
Copyright: 2013 The Morning Call Inc.
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/DReo9M8z
Website: http://www.mcall.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/275
Author: Robert J. Fisher

WAR ON DRUGS, LIKE PROHIBITION BEFORE IT, A 'TOTAL FAILURE'

It is frustrating that the United States continues to debate this 
issue. The war on drugs, like the previous prohibition of alcohol, 
has been an abject and total failure.

The costs of apprehending, trying and incarcerating drug users are 
absurd. It would be wonderful if drug use was not the threat to 
individuals and society that it is. It is wishful thinking to believe 
that this personal abuse can be legislated away.

The best hope is that addicts can receive education and 
rehabilitation and that the problem can be minimized - at a much 
lower cost than the current campaign.

Drug legalization would take away the financial incentives of drug 
dealers. We wouldn't have to debate whether officials should 
unilaterally nullify minimum mandatory sentences - a judicial 
slippery slope - if drug use was decriminalized.

Robert J. Fisher

Upper Saucon Township
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom