Pubdate: Sun, 29 Sep 2002
Source: Miami Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2002 The Miami Herald
Contact:  http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/262
Author: Bernie Diaz
Referenced:  http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1735/a01.html

DRUG WAR HAS HAD SUCCESSES

Re the Sept. 16 Readers' Forum letters In 30 years, the drug war hasn't 
made a dent: How unfortunate that many people who are looking for any and 
all ways to legalize drugs would use the anecdotal tragedy of Gov. Jeb 
Bush's family as a case study to further such a flawed ideology.

The prevalence of drug use in the United States has been reduced by 40 
percent since 1985. Marijuana use has declined by 31 percent among 
Miami-Dade youth since 1995, according to the Miami Coalition's semi- 
annual Priority One report, released earlier this year. Much of the success 
has been accomplished with a small portion of our state and federal 
budgets. It largely is due to the efforts of parents, community members, 
school leaders and law enforcement under Bush's Office of Drug Control.

Decriminalization of illicit drug use will lead to a greater number of 
abuse cases, overdoses, deaths and spiraling healthcare costs. More 
families will suffer, too.

*Bernie Diaz is Director of Communications, Miami Coalition For a Safe and 
Drug-Free Community, Coral Gables
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom