Pubdate: Sat, 21 May 2003 Source: North County Times (CA) Contact: 2003 North County Times Website: http://www.nctimes.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1080 Author: Frank Alfred Davis Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n668/a03.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prop36.htm (Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act) LAW BOTH HELPS ABUSER, PROTECTS THE COMMUNITY Re: Ms. Laurel Kaskurs' latest letter indicating that Proposition 36 is a trapdoor catching "family members, friends and loved ones" without any warning at all. I don't know where she learned that relapse is a normal occurrence of recovery. Relapses happen, but not in every case. The relapses that occur under Prop. 36 usually are in connection with another crime that brings it to the court's attention. If Ms. Kaskurs would ask the people she is concerned about how they obtained the money for the substance they use (including alcohol) she might see why the idea of removing them from the community is relevant. Substance abuse programs in a correctional setting are sponsored by, and are every bit as good as, community based programs. Prop. 36 wants to help the abuser but must protect the community as well. The rest of the letter regarding our future and the elite circle is poppycock. Frank Alfred Davis Leucadia - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk