[Editor's note: Names in the following story have been changed to protect the source's identity. Darryl Morris was 14 years old the first time he was suspected by police of being a drug dealer.] Living in Tampa, Fla., the marijuana was plentiful and Morris knew where to get lots of it. His circle of friends was much older, and they were dealing drugs, too. He said he was lured into the business by the easy money. "Money is always a motivating factor. It's a lucrative business," he said. [continues 708 words]
(And Why It Took Years For Police To Find It) Self-motivated. Trustworthy. Needs little or no supervision. That praise for a Jacksonville detective accused of stuffing nearly $560,000 into two Sheriff's Office file cabinets came repeatedly from supervisors who were supposed to know what he was up to. They didn't. They did so little to keep tabs on Detective Brian Murphy that they once copied his performance evaluations from one year to another without changing a word. [continues 2020 words]
Increase In Prisoners Outstrips Construction, Latest Estimates State RALEIGH - North Carolina is building three new prisons and has approved financing for three more. That may not be enough to keep up with the parade of new prisoners. The latest projections on the number of inmates indicate the state will have to build several more prisons if legislators don't choose other options to reduce the need for cells. The N.C. Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission's latest estimate last week indicates that the state will have 44,094 inmates behind bars by 2013, but will have only enough capacity for 37,743. [continues 354 words]
Methamphetamine requires the simplest of ingredients. All of which are easily paid for at drug, hardware or department stores in most neighborhoods. Once the various pieces are placed together and cooked the right way, it completes a dangerously enticing puzzle that is wreaking havoc with police and lawyers. In courtrooms, methamphetamine is a popular term as well. Suspects are being charged under a new state law that allows officers to arrest anyone possessing ingredients used to create the drug because they are considered to be operating or attempting to operate a clandestine drug lab. [continues 948 words]
Dylan B. Hooser, 21, state Sen. Gary Hooser's son, was arrested earlier this month for marijuana possession. The arrest took place Thursday, Dec. 11 at 10:12 a.m., in the Ching Young Village parking lot in Hanalei, according to Kaua'i Police Department sources. Dylan Hooser was arrested and booked on charges of third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, a petty misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of 30 days imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. Sen. Gary Hooser was emotional about his son's arrest earlier this week. [continues 149 words]
PLUM: The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, which has been absent in the Plum School District for nearly two years, is scheduled to return next month. Plum School Board's education committee has signed off on the 10-week program, which will be taught by Plum Police Officer Mark Kost, who serves as the district's school resource officer, and Ed Kruse, the department's juvenile-crime detective. The program will be presented to the district's 10 classes of sixth-graders. [continues 274 words]
Scheme Leaders Face Shorter Terms Under Plea Deals They are the confessed masterminds - three men whose greed-fueled deception fooled Dallas police and led to an embarrassing series of false drug arrests two years ago. Some hurt by the city's fake-drug scandal still fume over the acquittal of a narcotics detective involved in the cases, and the confidential informants who devised a scheme that made the arrests possible will probably be sentenced next month in federal court. It's unclear how long the men, who've been locked away at a federal prison in Seagoville since early 2002, will ultimately spend behind bars. Each pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate civil rights, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. But according to their plea agreements, the informants face substantially shorter prison terms at their sentencing hearings - all of which are being scheduled for Jan. 22 before three separate federal judges in Dallas. "These people, they ruined a lot of lives," said Jesse Diaz, a local League of United Latin American Citizens president, speaking of the informants. "I'm hoping that the three judges consider that when they are passing down the sentences." [continues 835 words]
It's not easy having a famous dad. After Harvard student Albert Gore III -- yes, son of that Albert Gore -- made the news last week for being arrested in Maryland for marijuana possession, activists made him a poster boy for their campaign against a 1998 law that denies financial aid to any student with a drug conviction. The law has deprived more than 124,000 students of financial aid, according to Students for Sensible Drug Policy, which bills itself as the fastest-growing student organization in the United States. No other crime triggers the same punishment. "If Al Gore's son was paying for school with financial aid, a conviction for marijuana possession could end his education and seriously damage his future," said SSDP national director Darrell Rogers in a statement. "Since his parents can afford to pay for his education, Albert Gore III's Harvard education will continue uninterrupted." Gore, 21, and two passengers were arrested Dec. 19 when he was stopped for driving without his lights on. An officer, who noticed the windows and sunroof open in cold weather, found a marijuana cigarette and a cigarette box containing suspected marijuana. [end]
Editor, On Dec. 18, the 17th Statewide Grand Jury issued its second interim report detailing extensive criminal activity surrounding the Florida Medicaid Program. Corrupt doctors, clinics, pharmacies and Medicaid recipients are costing the taxpayers millions of dollars through fraud and risking public health with their actions. This grand jury has done outstanding work in the area of prescription drugs. In its first report in February, grand jurors provided thoughtful recommendations aimed at controlling the act of watering down prescription drugs. Our office worked with Governor Bush and the Legislature to pass tough new laws that will have a dramatic impact on this practice. [continues 161 words]
With all the recent protests of new methadone clinics coming to Roanoke, I notice the "not in my back yard" syndrome taking effect - the attitude that many people seem to acquire when they see a problem and want to help, but they don't want it in their back yard. Wow, what a cop-out. Those who are seeking help should be helped and should be looked upon with compassion, not as criminals and vagrants as so many seem to feel they are. [continues 123 words]
Throughout the mid-1990s and beyond, as violent crime decreased, some argued that tough sentencing laws and truth in sentencing laws were not effective. The sole cause for the drop in crime, they argued, was a good and growing economy. They were wrong. Our economy is on the backside of a long downturn; crime rates should be high and growing. They are not. We have incarcerated more than 2 million people in this country, for longer periods than ever before. The revolving door for many violent offenders has slowed or stopped, and we are all safer. However, these results have been purchased at a great and growing price. [continues 716 words]
The population at the Montgomery County jail has remained even over the past month, in spite of the fact that jury trials came to a halt Nov. 24. But controlling the number of inmates at any time of year has become easier, thanks to community corrections efforts, according to some judges and law enforcement officials. The jail population as of Dec. 19 was 397, according to Sheriff D.T. Marshall, just a few bodies down from November when jury trials stopped in a measure to save money in the face of statewide budget cuts. At the time, Marshall speculated that shutting down the jury system briefly would have little impact on the jail population, since other court hearings would still take place. [continues 430 words]
Although drug abuse puts a strain on virtually every aspect of civil society, it probably places no greater burden anywhere than on the justice system. And, according to local prosecutors, at least one of the major factors in creating this strain is a lack of resources to punish those who break drug laws. "Being a prosecutor is not an easy job, by any means," said Talladega County District Attorney Steve Giddens. "If all of a sudden every single illegal drug in the county were to disappear, this still wouldn't be an easy job. But it would be a lot easier than it is now." [continues 1303 words]
William Stollar from Surprise wants to know why Rush Limbaugh is being hounded by the Palm Beach County prosecutor for his "victimless" drug use. ("Rush Limbaugh case a real waste of time," Letter, Friday.) Maybe the prosecutor got the idea from Rush himself. Let me refresh your memory with this quote from Rush: "Too many Whites are getting away with drug use. The answer is to . . . find the ones who are getting away with it, convict them, and send them up the river." You live by the sword, you die by the sword. Ken Black Phoenix [end]
In 2003, there were some major advances in the fight against the methamphetamine epidemic, which has gripped Kitsap County and many other areas of the West for the last decade. Five years of effort by federal, state and local authorities broke up the Munoz-Munoz organization, believed responsible for half the local meth supply. Twenty-six people involved with the Mexico-based drug trafficking family were convicted and sentenced to federal prison, and the street price of the drug zoomed, a positive indicator of success. [continues 139 words]
A Hayward medical marijuana dispensary owner plans to defend herself against felony drug possession charges in a case that could be one of the first tests of a related new state law. Cheryl Adams, who owns the Hayward Hempery and its Hayward Patient Group, was arrested at 12:20 a.m. Dec. 12 in front of the TownPlace Suites hotel at 39802 Cedar Blvd. in Newark, where she had been living. She allegedly was driving with 5.32 pounds of marijuana in 29 small plastic bags, said Newark police Sgt. Fred Zachau. [continues 662 words]
Hempery Proprieter Booked For Possession, Transport, Intent To Sell A Hayward medical marijuana dispensary owner plans to defend herself against felony drug possession charges in a case that could be one of the first tests of a related new state law. Cheryl Adams, who owns the Hayward Hempery and its Hayward Patient Group, was arrested at 12:20 a.m. on Dec. 12 in front of the TownPlace Suites hotel at 39802 Cedar Blvd., Newark, where she had been living. She allegedly was driving with 5.32 pounds of marijuana in 29 separate small plastic bags, said Newark police Sgt. Fred Zachau. [continues 650 words]
BRUNSWICK - Ray Starling built his career on secrecy. Many a night, he dozed on a surplus Army cot in a small, dingy office, waiting for word of someone looking to buy or sell some marijuana, heroin, crystal methamphetamine or cocaine. He has spent hours hunkered down in woods, cloaked in darkness and mosquitoes, patiently waiting for smugglers to come ashore with a clandestine cargo of pot. And for 30 years, Starling's easygoing demeanor and disarming grin were the downfall of more than a few drug traffickers. ''One of the things that I'm going to miss,'' he said, ''is the thrill and excitement of knowing that if you're a dope dealer and I've just bought from you ... you don't know it yet, but you're going to get busted.'' Starling, 54, retired this month from the Glynn County Police Department, where he worked his way up through the ranks to become captain and served as commander of the Glynn/Brunswick Narcotics Enforcement Team. He was recently honored with a retirement celebration by colleagues and area law enforcement officials. Starling began his 31-year career patrolling a beat in the county's toughest neighborhood. As a narcotics investigator and supervisor, he has worked some big drug cases. [continues 661 words]
Friday, December 26, 2003 - WHEN he was governor of Texas, George W. Bush got burned for performing an act of clemency. In 1995, after local law enforcement officials supported one Steve Raney, Bush pardoned Raney, who had been convicted on a misdemeanor drug charge in 1988 for growing marijuana in his backyard. The pardon enabled Raney to become a deputy constable. Within four months of his pardon, however, Raney was arrested for stealing cocaine from a suspect during a roadside arrest. It was an embarrassing episode for the governor. [continues 615 words]
I appreciate a recent letter writer's opinion on methadone, and realize the writer has the background to add weight to his opinion. But I disagree. Certainly, 12-step programs work, and they have for 70 years or so. But even these programs admit, in their creed, that there are those who are basically so far gone that the 12 steps probably won't work for them. What's to become of these lost souls? Euthanasia? There's more than one avenue for treatment. Methadone has shown its effectiveness over the past 30-plus years, else the conservative federal government would not allow it to be. Bottom line, methadone allows addicts to have freedom from withdrawals, freedom from craving and freedom from those who profit from illegal drug sales. They are able to have as close to a normal life as possible. And it requires little work on the addicts' part. [continues 105 words]
HARRISONBURG, Va. -- Alarmed by a rise in methamphetamine traffic in the Shenandoah Valley, police and a newly elected state senator are seeking tougher penalties for dealers of the stimulant. Trafficking in the drug is concentrated in and around Harrisonburg and along the Interstate 81 corridor. Law enforcement officials trace its local introduction to about six years ago. Local authorities have had to prosecute with penalties they consider to be too light for big-time pushers, said Tom Murphy, coordinator of the drug task force for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. [continues 356 words]
Regarding the Dec. 18 story headlined, "Calhoun students may get drug tests," if coerced drug-testing for students is implemented, then all school faculty, workers, contractors, etc., should likewise be tested. So should all parents who endorse this policy. After all, if they wish to send a message to their kids, their trousers should be the first unzipped. The obvious lesson here is that personal testimony is insufficient evidence of honesty. One must instead prove integrity by offering up a urine sample. [continues 172 words]
I have read and watched the news about the Kenny Walker shooting and would like to know why everyone seems so down on this deputy. If Mr. Walker had done as he was told, then none of this would have taken place. So instead of looking at the officer maybe we should be looking at Mr. Walker and why he did not listen to the officer, or officers. Also, why is it every time a white officer does something like this to a black person then it's a black-white thing, but if this had been a black officer who shot a white person who did not do as he was told, then you would have not heard anything else about it? [continues 245 words]
A Senate Subcommittee Will Offer Legislation This Spring To Recover An Estimated $1.2-Billion Lost Each Year To Fraud TALLAHASSEE - Crooked pharmacies, doctors and Medicaid patients are soaking Florida taxpayers for millions of dollars in painkillers and phony cancer treatments, officials say. Attorney General Charlie Crist has made Medicaid fraud a top priority, a grand jury has spent months investigating and now a new Senate subcommittee will recommend legislation this spring to recoup the estimated $1.2-billion lost each year. [continues 996 words]
Clear zoning regulations would prevent similar controversies For 17 months now, the Center of Hope methadone clinic has had approval to open from Horry County's zoning board. The clinic has the required state and federal permits and a business license. Circuit Judge John Breeden's order that Horry County should allow the clinic to open was the fair and just decision. To take away the clinic's permission to open now, after the owners have invested money to renovate the building that was once home to a strip club and have hired employees, would be wrong. [continues 266 words]
Law enforcement officers are used to facing danger on the job. But throw drugs into the equation and that danger grows exponentially. "I responded to a call about a shooting at a house," said Bill Kennedy, who was a patrolman for 12 years before becoming commander of the Talladega Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The call was to the home of a man who started shooting out all the windows of his house while his pregnant wife huddled in a room fearing for her life. [continues 538 words]
ORANGE - The Orange Police Department (OPD) boasts a hot new car in its fleet - a bright yellow Corvette. Orange Police Lt. Anthony Cuozzo said the car is being used for the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, and is one of the tools used to attract attention to the program. It also is the most coveted vehicle among DARE officers. "The car sends a very clear message to kids, that if you're going to get involved in the drug trade, we're going to take your stuff," Cuozzo said. "People think it's a nice car, but guess what: [the drug dealer] is not driving it anymore, we are." [continues 351 words]
Some Debate Practical Uses Of Ancient Practice Long before Timothy Leary and Ken Kesey and the counterculture generation discovered hallucinogenic drugs, the Indians of western Mexico were using peyote to commune with their gods. Anthropologist Peter T. Furst, who spent 30 years among the Huichol people, says that Indian shamans have been using hallucinogenic plants as a doorway to the divine for thousands of years, likely following a tradition carried by their ancestors over the Bering Strait. And now, some U.S. scientists are exploring how these substances might be used by doctors to battle anxiety, mental illness and alcoholism. [continues 833 words]
A task force convened by Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline and led by state Sen. Derek Schmidt, R-Independence, is championing the case for private prisons -- or prisons for profit. These leaders argue that this is a solution to the prison-capacity problem in Kansas. But the notion of corporate prisons in Kansas should alarm us all. Companies shouldn't profit from the suffering of others. Additionally, corporate prisons create problems by design, an issue this task force has not fully researched nor addressed. [continues 329 words]
Guess who's claming to be a victim now? Rush Limbaugh says he's a victim of Democratic smears by people who are using his admitted drug addiction as a means of wrecking his reputation through leaks of his legal problem. Limbaugh's legal problem is that Florida investigators think he may have gone "doctor shopping" to get his drugs. After checking pharmacy records and finding four doctors prescribed him 2,000 highly addictive painkiller pills, they seized the radio personality's medical records. The assumption is no sane doctor would prescribe 2,000 pills. [continues 499 words]
Editor: I am very proud of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's decision to pardoned George Parry, 49, of Manito for a 27-year-old marijuana possession conviction. This is a prime example of how ridiculously harsh the punishments are for marijuana. This man has obviously been extremely generous to his community and state throughout his life, and something so minor as possession of marijuana from 27 years ago threatened to destroy his life and the lives of his loved ones! We the people need more people in power with this kind of logical views, and less politics, big money and corporations running the show. We need a government that is willing to invest in the people. We live in changing times in a fast paced world, and our government needs to change with the times. I hope that we can get it together and make it work for the people of this once great land, that once was created for the people and now threatens to destroy its people. Thanks, Gov. Rod Blagojevich for your courage to make the right decision in this case. Richard J. Rawlings, Illinois Marijuana Party, Bartonville [end]
Editor: I feel that it's insane to refuse financial aid to students caught smoking marijuana. That should not stop anyone from getting an education. The people running this country have or possibly still do smoke marijuana. Many have had to receive drug or alcohol treatment. Why not ask them this: Do they think they needed to serve long sentences for their crimes, and be denied an education? Millions of people smoke marijuana, more than anyone thinks: parents, grandparents, bosses, co-workers, and anyone in between. I can safely say that every profession, every race, every group of people, and even someone you know have or still do smoke marijuana. [continues 208 words]
Candidate Mixes Campaign Talk With Demand For Justice The Rev. Al Sharpton burst through Columbus Friday afternoon, vowing to local law enforcement and to the family of Kenneth B. Walker that he would be back if the findings from investigations into the fatal shooting of an unarmed man by a deputy sheriff were "not right." "We are watching this case... and if the report is not right, we will be back," said Sharpton to roaring applause in a church gymnasium filled with a crowd of some 350 people. "I've seen enough here to see that this warrants national attention." [continues 765 words]
Generosity sometimes comes from the most unlikely direction. That was certainly the case this week when the people who are enrolled in Pike County drug court held a party to present gifts to two needy families. Participants in the drug court, which is run by Circuit Judge Keith Starrett in Pike, Walthall and Lincoln counties, raised $600 in cash plus toys, clothing and canned food. Led by two women, Crystal Pigott and Sherry Driscoll, the participants found two single parents, one raising a daughter, the other raising two children, and made their Christmas a whole lot merrier than it would have been otherwise. [continues 335 words]
A new survey on prison funding reveals much about Alabama's situation, in both fiscal and correctional terms. In essence, it finds that the state is doing a lot with a little in comparison to other states, but the figures also indicate the severity of the problems Alabama confronts in its prison system. In fiscal 2003, the budget for the Alabama Department of Corrections was $291 million for a system with nearly 28,000 inmates. The per-inmate cost was about $10,400, lower than in any other state. A lot lower. [continues 335 words]
Regarding "Drug Criminalization" (Dec 22): The American people have have not profited one bit from all the money that's spent on the war on drugs. The only profiteers of prohibition have been government agencies, prison industrial complexes and drug dealers. It's time to take a serious look at our drug policies. Let medical professionals deal with the hard drug demand and put street dealers out of business. At least, stop wasting time on pot. Sandy Cote Toledo, OH [end]
6 new N.C. sites won't be enough North Carolina is building three new prisons and has approved financing for three more. But the latest projections on the number of inmates indicate the state will have to build several more if legislators don't choose other options to reduce the need for cells. The N.C. Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission's latest estimate, released this week, indicates that the state will have 44,094 inmates behind bars by 2013 but will have only enough capacity for 37,743. Such overcrowding could lead to U.S. Justice Department intervention, as it did in the 1980s when the state had a similar crisis. The new estimates show a continued uptick in the prison population. Last year, the commission revised its estimates upward because convictions for murder, robberies and drug trafficking rose by roughly 20 percent. The commission took the same tack this year, though not as precipitously, because of a 19 percent jump in habitual-felon convictions -- the so-called three strikes penalty -- and a roughly 5 percent jump in drug trafficking convictions. [continues 591 words]
It's a shame that a judge on one of our highest courts is willing to forgo our constitutional protections and rights in the name of the drug war. Nobody should wonder why our country is going down the tubes. We continue to allow our government to destroy our Bill of Rights day by day. Our law enforcement and judiciary are more corrupt than ever. We need Presidents and leaders who are committed to upholding the Constitution, not tearing it down and distorting it. We were guaranteed freedom and justice with equal protection for all. The track record of this judge flies in the face of all of those guarantees. But it's for our own good, right? Scott Russ, Baton Rouge, La. [end]
Local law enforcement officials weren't taking it easy this holiday week - and that's good news for residents. Tampa police launched two operations that show they're willing to use all available resources to combat drug peddling, prostitution and street crimes that destroy neighborhoods. The get-tough approach is important because allowing even minor crimes encourages further lawlessness. In contrast, clamping down hard on those crimes, as New Yorkers found under Mayor Rudy Giuliani, gives cities a sense of order and safety and reduces the crime rate. [continues 252 words]
Based upon his most recent letter to the editor, it would appear that longtime drug legalization advocate Edward H. Decker remains lost in the haze of the glorious '60s and '70s. Since he can't refute any of the latest studies outlining the dangers of marijuana, he relies on 30- or 40-year-old information. Unfortunately, he refuses to acknowledge the greatly increased potency of marijuana. We routinely see marijuana with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels from two to five to 10 and even higher times more than it was in the '60s and '70s and many young people are using much more -- smoking "blunts" rather than "joints." [continues 449 words]
Judge Orders New Trial for Defendants Convicted on Coked-Up Testimony If you're testifying for the prosecution on a drug case, here's a bit of advice: don't be hooked on the stuff yourself. Last week, in a ruling that somehow slipped under the radar, Criminal Court Judge Randall Wyatt granted a new trial to six Hispanic defendants convicted on conspiracy to sell over 70 pounds of marijuana in April 2001. The judge ruled that a key prosecution witness, T.B.I. agent Patrick Howell, was addicted to cocaine during the investigation and proceedings of the case. Wyatt set aside a 15-year-sentence for each of the defendants, who had been ordered to serve their entire sentence because they were arrested within 1,000 feet of a school zone. [continues 476 words]
A program to issue medical ID cards and clarify parts of Prop. 215 lacks startup funds. Next Thursday was supposed to be a big day for medical marijuana users. That's the day Californians with AIDS, glaucoma, cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic pain and other ailments could begin getting state-issued identification cards -- thus freeing them from jail time as they debate their medical need with cops. That won't happen. State officials charged with running the program say they don't have enough money to get it going. [continues 721 words]
With methamphetamine production having developed into a major problem in Tennessee, a resolution is making its way through county legislative bodies with the aim of seeking tougher state penalties. Both the McMinn County Commission and the Meigs County Commission adopted their versions of the resolution during meetings last week. Commissioner J.W. McPhail, who introduced the measure at the McMinn County meeting, said it had already been adopted by other county commissions. McPhail added "there's a lot of interest" in creating a stiff deterrent to methamphetamine manufacturing and sales. [continues 308 words]
I feel it is insane to refuse financial aid to students caught smoking marijuana. That should not stop anyone from getting an education. The people running this country have or possibly still do smoke marijuana. Many have had to receive drug or alcohol treatment. Why not ask them this: Do they think they needed to serve a long sentence for their crimes and be denied an education? Millions of people smoke marijuana, more than anyone thinks: parents, grandparents, bosses, co-workers and anyone in between. [continues 240 words]
WEST PALM BEACH -- A judge resealed Rush Limbaugh's medical records Wednesday, giving the conservative radio commentator's attorneys time to appeal his earlier decision allowing prosecutors to examine the files for evidence Limbaugh illegally purchased painkillers. Palm Beach Circuit Judge Jeffrey A. Winikoff ruled that the records should remain sealed for 15 days while Limbaugh's attorneys pursue their appeal to keep the records private. Winikoff had ruled Tuesday that prosecutors could examine the records, but could not make them public. [continues 235 words]
Drug Court Offenders Adopt Families Pike County drug court wasn't the usual weekly session Monday. A Christmas tree presided over heaps of presents, a lighted angel gazed from the witness stand, and a court official wore a red shirt and elf hat. Instead of Judge Keith Starrett discussing each person's case, he turned the proceedings over to a pair of women who had organized their fellow drug court members to adopt needy families for Christmas. "I could stand up here and cry because we worked so hard to do this and it turned out so good," said Crystal Pigott, who broke down in tears as she addressed the crowd in the courtroom at Magnolia. [continues 410 words]
The Southern Regional Jail in Beaver claims to have a drug abuse program. A Fayette County magistrate was told that an inmate was listed to be in their drug abuse program; next a court order was issued by the magistrate for him to be placed in the program, which he was not. The inmate was told to report to the prison counselor, where he was issued a 100-page booklet. He was told to read the first 50 pages within a specified time frame. We are just wondering how much of our tax money is actually being used for the drug program and how much is going into pockets of officials. A Fayette County judge was told the program is only offered to long-term inmates and not to short-term inmates. This is ridiculous. The short-term inmates are the ones who need help the most. R.J. Parsons Fayetteville [end]
There seem to be a number of area residents who think keeping a methadone clinic out of the area will deny opiate-addicts the treatment that they need. At least that's the only point anyone seems to be arguing. Think again, right-wingers. Not opening the clinic in Myrtle Beach will just continue the inconvenience that methadone patients already experience. There are surely a large number of people in the area who have come by the addiction at no fault of their own. Why send them away? Addiction is a disease, and almost any disease can be treated somewhere in the greater Myrtle Beach area. Why make an exception? Emerson H. Dyer Conway [end]
It's understandable that some county prosecutors are concerned about the growing number of inmates who are being released from state prisons. They don't see the wisdom of accelerated paroles, saying it's no long-term solution to prison crowding - not when they expect to see the same inmates back in their courts in a matter of months. That's certainly a risk. And it's a risk that is of particular interest to those of us living in Jefferson County, which had more inmates on the December parole hearing docket than any other county in Alabama. [continues 298 words]
I'm troubled by the announcement that random drug searches will be conducted at Narragansett High School ("Drug-sniffing dogs to begin work in school," news, Dec. 18). For our education system to work most effectively, there needs to be an atmosphere of trust between students and school officials. By sending the message that students can't be trusted, the proposed searches undermine the hard work and dedication that our teachers put in every day. The fact that these searches are even being proposed signals that the way we deal with drugs in this country is flawed. We've failed to provide our youth with effective drug education. DARE and scare tactics haven't shown our children how to avoid the dangers of drugs. Rather than conduct these searches, a better strategy would be to invest time and money in honest drug-education programs. We're pushing our children away. If we dealt with these problems in a more realistic manner, we could build the atmosphere of trust that we need. Warwick The writer is a member of the board of directors of Students for Sensible Drug Policy. [end]
Inside United States
