Pubdate: Tue, 09 Jul 2002
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2002 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1250/a10.html

DEMOCRATS, TOO, SENT DRUG USERS TO PRISON

The writer is program officer, Drug Policy Alliance.

William Moyers unfairly singles out President George W. Bush in "Bush's 
recovery should shape his drug policies" (July 5 Viewpoint). Drug war 
hypocrisy is by no means limited to Republicans. After admitting to smoking 
pot (but not inhaling), former President Bill Clinton opened himself up to 
"soft on drugs" criticism. And thousands of Americans paid the price in the 
form of shattered lives. More Americans went to prison or jail during the 
Clinton administration than during any past administration.

While youthful indiscretions did not stop Clinton or Bush from assuming 
leadership positions, an arrest surely would have. The short-term health 
effects of popular illicit drugs like marijuana are inconsequential 
compared to the long-term effects of criminal records. Destroying the 
futures of kids who make unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone.

Robert Sharpe

Washington, D.C.
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