Pubdate: Fri, 25 Jul 2003
Source: North County Times (CA)
Copyright: 2003 North County Times
Contact:  http://www.nctimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1080
Author: Frank A. Davis
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1013/a10.html?2024
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n933/a05.html?2024

DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM HAS NO EASY ANSWERS

I was dumbfounded to read Connie Frankowiak's July 6 letter to your paper 
stating her reasons why America's drug laws should be abolished.

She states the American legal system favors the rich and powerful; that 
those who have friends in high places get off lightly at sentencing; that 
drug agencies only raid the poor neighborhoods. She should tell that to 
Nick Nolte (alcohol), Robert Downey Jr. and numerous musicians and other 
artists.

Too often we use class consciousness to explain why some are supervised by 
agencies or institutions and some are not. We could use economic status as 
well. In fact, some do. However, crime is a young man's game. Crime hides 
frustration and lack of self-worth. It is most likely those who feel the 
most frustration are those who are arrested and convicted.

As I mentioned in a previous letter regarding drug usage, those who can 
afford the drugs can keep their activities hidden much longer than those 
who must use criminal means to purchase the drugs.

If drug usage is no longer a criminal activity, as Ms. Frankowiak desires, 
it still won't be legal for some. Under 18 can purchase barbiturates, 
amphetamines and hallucinogens? Come on, lady, the crime of drug abuse 
would still be with us.

As I wrote before, there are no easy answers for complex social problems.

FRANK A. DAVIS
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom