Pubdate: Sat, 26 May 2001
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2001 Cox Interactive Media.
Contact:  http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Charlie George
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/bush.htm (Bush, George)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hea.htm (Higher Education Act)

GOING BACKWARD IN ANTI-DRUG FIGHT

The Bush administration's hard-line drug policy proves that 
"compassionate conservatism" is a contradiction. Taking two giant 
steps backward in the fight against drugs, Bush appointed John 
Walters as drug czar and exacerbated drug abuse by withholding 
federal aid to convicted users, thus blatantly promoting ignorance. 
Apparently, this administration doesn't realize that education is one 
of the most effective routes to rehabilitation. Among student drug 
users, those prosecuted are usually those who most need financial aid.

Walters' drug policy neglects treatment of addiction. Without 
treatment, many will die while their families suffer. This callous 
insensitivity is inexcusable.

This faulty policy has no realistic hope of improving the situation. 
Reducing supply only increases demand, thus maintaining the problem 
and its associated law enforcement and penal agencies. Treatment 
helps the individual and solves the problem of demand. But that 
wouldn't serve the "compassionate conservative" administration's 
purposes, would it?
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe