Pubdate: Sun, 06 May 2001
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune (MO)
Copyright: 2001 Columbia Daily Tribune
Contact:  http://www.showmenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/91
Author: Paul Steeno

PROVIDING REHAB, JOBS FOR ADDICTS BEST SOLUTION

Editor, the Tribune:

I will be 48 years old this week, and the "war on drugs" has been going on 
now for as long as I can remember. Seems to me that it is about time we 
rethink our tactics. Why don't we as a nation spend our tax dollars on 
healing the addicted rather than risking lives by waging a war against the 
drug suppliers in Peru or Colombia. If we attack the problem by eliminating 
the demand for drugs by treating those who are addicted, we would be 
healing our own people and helping our society by reducing the crimes 
associated with illegal drug use at the same time. Giving hope to those who 
seek solace in the form of a narcotic by providing job training and a job 
paying a livable wage afterward would also be in the best interest of all 
of us in this society. Simply jailing offenders and waging a military-type 
war in some other country has not worked. I do not think it will next year 
or the year after that either. Heck, putting aside all of the good that 
would result from healing those of us who are addicted, we just might save 
some money with this tack vs. the one we are using now. What do you think.

Paul Steeno

3708 Woodridge Court
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager