Pubdate: Sun, 22 Aug 2004
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Copyright: 2004 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.jsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265
Author: Elke Sommers
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1166/a01.html

DRUG PROGRAM: THOSE WHO COMMIT CRIMES NOT TREATED AS INDIVIDUALS

I believe that the inmate drug rehabilitation program is not working 
because it puts principles before people ("Drug program bears sparse fruit, 
critics say," Aug. 16).

The program is based on the philosophy of psychologist Stanton Samenow, who 
believes that all criminals think alike and that their criminal thinking 
needs to be redirected. Offenders are always bad people who abuse wives, 
neglect kids and cannot keep jobs. The program thus stereotypes.

Offenders tend not to respond to generalizations, as their reasons to use 
or sell drugs are diverse and complex. The program does not acknowledge 
that and hopes a one-size-fits-all approach bears fruit.

We need to stop basing programs on ideology and admit that people cannot be 
brainwashed into sanity. The rhetoric of being tough on crime has clouded 
our good judgment. We deify law enforcement personnel and vilify offenders. 
An "us against them" mentality ensues that does not permit us to take an 
honest look.

We need to stop our single focus on drugs as a criminal problem and once 
again open our minds to the possibility of a social or a medical problem. 
The orange jumpsuits are deceiving: Offenders are individuals and need to 
be treated as such.

Elke Sommers, Milwaukee
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager