Pubdate: Thu, 17 Oct 2002
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2002, The Tribune Co.
Contact:  http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1908/a03.html

END THE DRUG WAR

Regarding "Isn't It A Bit Late To Worry About Noelle's Privacy?'' 
(Nation/World, Oct. 11): I don't think anyone is going to argue that Noelle 
Bush would benefit from a lengthy mandatory minimum prison sentence for 
possession of crack cocaine. While I can sympathize with the Bush family's 
ongoing troubles with substance abuse, Gov. Jeb Bush's opposition to the 
state's short-lived "treatment instead of incarceration'' ballot initiative 
effort is hypocritical to say the least. If treatment works for the Bushes, 
why not apply the same standard to Americans from less influential 
families? Incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders alongside hardened 
criminals is the equivalent of providing them with a taxpayer-funded 
education in antisocial behavior. Turning drug users into unemployable 
ex-cons is a senseless waste of tax dollars. It's time to declare peace in 
the failed drug war and begin treating all substance abuse, legal or 
otherwise, as the public health problem it is. Destroying the futures of 
citizens who make unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone.

ROBERT SHARPE

Washington, D.C.

The writer is a program officer with Drug Policy Alliance.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens