Pubdate: Mon, 02 Feb 2004
Source: Delta Democrat Times (MS)
Copyright: 2004 Delta Democrat Times
Contact:  http://www.ddtonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2123
Author: Robert Sharpe

MORE COMPASSION NEEDED IN DRUG WAR

To the editor:

I respectfully disagree with the Delta Democrat Times' Jan. 18th editorial. 
These days zero-tolerance drug policies pose a greater threat to students 
than drugs.

According to the "Monitoring the Future" survey, more than half of all high 
school seniors have tried an illicit drug.

Denying a majority of the nation's youth an education is not in America's 
best interest. Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving 
drugs.

An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life-shattering. 
After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling), former President Bill 
Clinton opened himself up to "soft on drugs" criticism.

And thousands of Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered 
lives. More Americans went to prison or jail during the Clinton 
administration than during any past administration.

As an admitted former drinker and alleged illicit drug user, President 
George W. Bush is also politically vulnerable when it comes to drugs.

While youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton or Bush from assuming 
leadership positions, an arrest surely would have.

The short-term health effects of marijuana are inconsequential compared to 
the long-term effects of criminal records.

Drug abuse is bad, but the drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe,

Policy Analyst,

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom