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. - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel