Pubdate: Wed, 17 Dec 2014
Source: Buffalo News (NY)
Copyright: 2014 The Buffalo News
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/GXIzebQL
Website: http://www.buffalonews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/61
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n911/a01.html

IMPRISONING DRUG OFFENDERS DOES MORE HARM THAN GOOD

Regarding the Dec. 7 Viewpoints cover story, when it comes to 
preventing drug abuse, mass incarceration is a cure worse than the 
disease. The drug war is not the promoter of family values some would 
have us believe. Children of inmates are at risk of educational 
failure, joblessness, addiction and delinquency. Not only do the 
children lose out, but society as a whole does, too.

Incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders alongside hardened criminals 
is the equivalent of providing them with a taxpayer-funded education 
in criminal behavior. Prisons transmit violent habits rather than 
reduce them. Nonviolent drug offenders are eventually released, with 
dismal job prospects because of criminal records.

Turning drug users into unemployable ex-cons is a senseless waste of 
tax dollars. It's time to declare peace in the failed drug war and 
begin treating all substance abuse, legal or otherwise, as the public 
health problem it is. Destroying the futures and families of citizens 
who make unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone.

Robert Sharpe, MPA Policy Analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom