Pubdate: Sat, 12 May 2001
Source: Austin American-Statesman (TX)
Copyright: 2001 Austin American-Statesman
Contact:  http://www.austin360.com/statesman/editions/today/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/32
Author: Ken Guggenheim, Associated Press

APPOINTMENT OF DRUG CZAR RENEWS OLD DEBATE

Amid growing exasperation about the nation's appetite for illegal
drugs, some policy analysts have called for a fresh approach that
treats drug use a health issue rather than a crime.

John P. Walters, nominated Thursday by President Bush as drug policy
director, isn't in that camp.

A protege of former drug policy director William Bennett, Walters has
argued that strict law enforcement is essential to keep drug users off
the streets and to shame them into seeking treatment.

He has defended the records of former Presidents Reagan and Bush,
saying their advances in the drug fight were reversed by what Walters
sees as the Clinton administration's halfhearted efforts.

Walters sees an important role for the military in fighting drugs,
favors punishing nations judged not doing enough to stop trafficking,
and rejects claims that too many small-time users are in prison.

To his critics, he is linked to failed policies that pack prisons with
addicts in hopes of solving drug problems.

"Everything about John Walters' past record suggests that he believes
drug policy has nothing to do with science or public health. It's all
about punishing people for their sins," said Ethan Nadelmann, director
of the Lindesmith Center, a New York-based drug policy research institute.

To his supporters, Walters is an experienced and tough-minded drug
fighter who understands that law enforcement must complement treatment
and education to reduce drug use. His fans support his effort to rely
on families, houses of worship and communities in helping lower demand
for drugs.

"John is about the most knowledgeable person in the country on all
aspects of this problem," Bennett said.

Few Americans are satisfied with the progress in combating drug use,
which has changed little in the past decade. The price of cocaine and
heroin fell during the 1990s, indicating abundant supplies. Synthetic
drugs like Ecstasy have become more popular.

Some lawmakers, drug policy analysts and even Bush administration
officials have questioned whether curbing demand for drugs through
education and treatment programs should take priority over trying to
limit supply through police work and interdiction.

About two-thirds of the $19 billion federal anti-drug budget that
Walters would oversee at the Office of National Drug Control Policy is
intended to reduce supply; what's left is for trying to reduce the
demand for drugs.

Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass., said he was concerned that Walters'
views might make it difficult for policy-makers to reach consensus on
drug issues.

"He appears to be a polarizing figure and oftentimes the rhetoric that
he has used sends certain messages that are disturbing," said
Delahunt, a former prosecutor.

Bush on Thursday described Walters as "an articulate advocate, an able
administrator, and a man of deep and reasoned convictions."

He said Walters, whom the Senate must confirm, was aware of the need
for a balanced approach to drugs.

"A successful anti-drug effort depends on a thoughtful and integrated
approach. Mr. Walters understands this as well as anybody in America,"
Bush said.

Bush pledged to pay "unprecedented attention" to helping drug-addicted
Americans get treatment. He also announced a series of Cabinet reviews
to determine the effectiveness of federal anti-drug efforts.

Walters, 49, worked under Bennett at the National Endowment for the
Humanities and the Department of Education during the Reagan
administration. When Bennett became the nation's first drug policy
director, Walters served as his deputy for drug supply reduction, and
later was chief of staff. He briefly followed Bennett as acting director.

He is currently the president of the Philanthropy Roundtable, a
national donor's organization.
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