Pubdate: Sat, 21 Sep 2002 Source: Journal-Inquirer (CT) Copyright: 2002 Journal-Inquirer Contact: http://www.journalinquirer.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/220 Author: Kimberly Phillips Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) CHURCH HAS DIFFERENT TAKE ON DRUG WAR Manchester - Three months after the Unitarian Universalist Association advocated the legalization of illicit drugs, the local chapter of the group is to discuss the move during its worship services this weekend. "The war on drugs is kind of a sacred cow," Bob Hewey, president of the Unitarian Universalist Society: East in Manchester, said Friday. "You can't even question what other alternatives may be." What the national organization has proposed, Hewey explained, is, in part, making prescriptions for illicit drugs legal so addicts can turn to their doctors instead of their dealers in kicking the habit. Also, the money spent on prosecution and incarceration of those convicted of drug crimes needs to be rededicated to education, research, and treatment, the Bolton resident said. The discussions scheduled for the 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday services at the UUSE meeting house, 153 W. Vernon St., Manchester, will include a question-and-answer session following the services for those wanting to talk about the organization's position. "Rather than preach our take on it, we wanted also to offer a time for people to ask questions," Hewey said, explaining he expects to hear the comment that this proposal doesn't protect children. And in response, "We'll be willing to talk about how that was some of the same arguments during prohibition times," he said. Hewey said the drug discussion would relate back to the organization's seven guiding principles - including supporting the democratic process and accepting one another - and focus on how the war on drugs defies these standards. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager