Pubdate: Sun, 17 Jun 2001
Source: Wilson Daily Times (NC)
Contact: http://www.wilsondaily.com/cgi-bin/email.pl
Address: 2001 Downing Street Extension, Wilson, North Carolina 27893
Website: http://www.wilsondaily.com
Author: Kenneth Brian Blackmon

DRUG WAR ISN'T WORKING

I am a subscriber of The Wilson Daily Times. When I read the June 8
edition, I couldn't help but be touched by an article on page 10 A
(opinion) section. The "An inmate views the drug war" article.

I'm also currently incarcerated; however, for having an addiction.
People, please understand that I am not justifying my criminal acts,
but just sticking some issues out there. Maybe, one day, the public
and so called government will try to understand the "real problems."

Like the writer says, I'm also a young man, just turned 23, and have
10 or more years. Simply because I had an addiction, no help, and
found illegal ways to get high. Now just tell me this, is locking me
up for 10 years and not supplying me the right treatment going to
help? Also, throw me back into society after 10 long years and expect
me to mix and mingle with so-called civilized citizens? Come on
people, don't you believe that trying to fix my problems and get me to
adapt to normal behaviors of a successful life would be of better help?

Long-term existence in a place like this plays a major role on one's
mind. People expect us to leave on our release date and be
rehabilitated? I wish the plan that our so-called government had in
mind was that easy.

And "Drug War"? Come on folks, whether you want to admit it or not,
our officials are terrible at fighting a "War on Drugs." We hear all
the time about policemen, government officials, FBI, CIA and a number
of other sources doing some kind of illegal matters concerning drugs.

In conclusion, I wish "We the People" could come together and face
some facts. Remember getting over denial is the first step to recovery!

Kenneth Brian Blackmon
Eastern Correctional Center
Maury
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