Pubdate: Fri, 28 Jun 2002
Source: Press & Sun Bulletin (NY)
Copyright: 2002 Press & Sun Bulletin
Contact:  http://www.pressconnects.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/878
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1160/a05.html

DRUG LAWS NOT WORKING

The "mule" described in Jay Gallagher's June 23 column is a prime example 
of the type of low-level drug offender sentenced to lengthy prison terms 
under Rockefeller drug laws. The burden imposed on New York taxpayers by 
those laws grows each year. Rockefeller defenders claim they are fighting 
crime. If only that were true. So-called drug-related crime is in reality 
prohibition-related. With alcohol prohibition repealed, liquor bootleggers 
no longer gun each other down, nor do consumers go blind drinking 
unregulated bathtub gin. While U.S. politicians ignore the historical 
precedent, European countries are embracing harm reduction, a public health 
alternative based on the principle that both drug use and drug prohibition 
have the potential to cause harm. Examples include needle exchange programs 
to stop the spread of HIV, marijuana regulation aimed at separating the 
hard and soft drug markets, and treatment alternatives that do not require 
incarceration as a prerequisite. Unfortunately, fear of appearing "soft on 
crime" compels many U.S. politicians to support a failed drug war that 
ultimately subsidizes organized crime.

ROBERT SHARPE,

  PROGRAM OFFICER DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE

WASHINGTON, D.C.
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