Pubdate: Fri, 07 May 1999 Source: New York Times (NY) Copyright: 1999 The New York Times Company Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ Forum: http://www10.nytimes.com/comment/ Author: Laurance S. Rockefeller RETHINK DRUG LAWS? ROCKEFELLER WOULD To the Editor: I was heartened to read that Gov. George E. Pataki has proposed loosening the stringent drug laws adopted during the administration of Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller, my brother (front page, May 4). Clyde Haberman (NYC column, April 23) pointed out the devastating human impact of an overly harsh drug policy, especially on convicted individuals who bear no resemblance to hardened criminals. The reality is that we have far too many people in jail for far too long for relatively minor offenses as a result of stringent drug laws. Those who were not criminals before are often turned into criminals as a result of their incarceration. Families are destroyed, creating another dysfunctional generation. And the economic cost to society is enormous. In view of what was known 26 years ago, my brother Nelson, as Governor, did indeed advocate harsh laws. However, I believe that in light of current knowledge, my brother, who was both a realistic and a humane leader, would today be open to a thoughtful review of the drug policy issue. While I support Governor Pataki's proposal, I hope that he and the Legislature will proceed on a bipartisan basis to undertake a full and reasoned review, with the goal of reforming New York's drug laws in a more comprehensive way. LAURANCE S. ROCKEFELLER New York, May 5, 1999 - --- MAP posted-by: Derek Rea