Pubdate: Thu, 20 Feb 2003
Source: Auburn Plainsman, The (AL Edu)
Copyright: 2003 The Auburn Plainsman
Contact:  http://www.theplainsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1880
Author: Robert Sharpe

WAR ON DRUGS NOT WHAT IT APPEARS TO BE

Editor, The Auburn Plainsman:

Alabama is not the only state grappling with overcrowded prisons.

Many states facing budget shortfalls are pursuing alternatives to 
incarceration for non-violent drug offenders.  A study conducted by the 
RAND Corporation found that every dollar invested in substance abuse 
treatment saves taxpayers $7.46 in societal costs. There is far more at 
stake than tax dollars.

The drug war is not the promoter of family values that some would have us 
believe. Children of inmates are at risk of educational failure, 
unemployment, addiction and delinquency.  Not only do the children lose 
out, but society as a whole does too. Incarcerating non-violent drug 
offenders with hardened criminals is the equivalent of providing them with 
a taxpayer-funded education in criminal 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 and families of citizens who make 
unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone. Students interested in helping 
reform harmful drug laws should contact Students for Sensible Drug Policy 
at www.ssdp.org.

Robert Sharpe Program Officer Drug Policy Alliance
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom