Pubdate: Wed, 13 Feb 2002
Source: Newsday (NY)
Copyright: 2002 Newsday Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsday.com/homepage.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n181/a06.html?2232
Author: Bernie Diaz
Note: Editor's Note as published.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/campaign.htm (ONDCP Media Campaign)

DRUG ILLOGIC

Ellis Henican's ignorance of logic and reality as it pertains to the debate 
on drug abuse has again served to unmask irresponsible libertarianism for 
what it is on this issue: drug legalization ["This Drug Ad a Hard Sell," 
Feb. 3].

With regard to anti-drug ads in the Super Bowl, Henican writes, "The ads 
advance the cynical claim that nonviolent Americans who use drugs are 
financing international terrorism." Cynical or not, fact and common sense 
tell us that both violent and non-violent drug offenders are helping to 
finance terrorism through their illicit purchases of narcotics, which 
supply the cash flow needed for terror activities.

"Kids smoking dope" may not have directly led to the attacks of 9-11, but 
they certainly didn't help prevent such acts of violence. Rather than take 
political and rhetorical potshots at the unfortunate circumstances 
surrounding Noelle Bush's arrest on a forged prescription, legalization 
supporters such as Henican and the Drug Policy Alliance should acknowledge 
the already growing movement to compassionately divert non-violent drug 
offenders to the treatment they need.

Bernie Diaz

Editor's Note: The writer is director of communications of the Miami 
Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Community. Coral Gables, Fla.
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