Pubdate: Sat, 24 Feb 2001
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2001 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/observer/
Author: Colette Forrest
Note: The writer is political action chairman, Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP.

END DOUBLE STANDARD FOR BLACK, WHITE DRUG USE

In response to "City leaders air concerns on drugs" (Feb. 11):

The mayor, City Council members and the police chief are quoted as being 
concerned about drug use in the suburbs. Chief Darrel Stephens says, "We 
all need to emphasize more treatment and education."

In the suburbs we medicalize drug use by whites, which results in treatment.

In the inner city we criminalize drug use by African Americans, which 
results not only in imprisonment, but also in the forfeiture of the right 
to vote.

This double standard must end.

Colette Forrest

Charlotte
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