Pubdate: Fri, 12 Aug 2005
Source: Standard-Times (MA)
Copyright: 2005 The Standard-Times
Contact:  http://www.s-t.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/422
Author: Robert Sharpe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1218/a10.html

WAR ON DRUGS ONLY FUELS CRIME

Nelson Hockert-Lotz makes the common mistake of confusing drug-related 
crime with prohibition-related crime in his Aug. 1 opinion piece. Attempts 
to limit the supply of illegal drugs while demand remains constant only 
increase the profitability of drug trafficking. For addictive drugs like 
heroin, a spike in street prices leads desperate addicts to increase 
criminal activity to feed desperate habits. The drug war doesn't fight 
crime, it fuels crime. With alcohol prohibition repealed, liquor 
bootleggers no longer gun each other down in drive- by shootings, nor do 
consumers go blind drinking unregulated bathtub gin. While U.S. politicians 
ignore the drug war's historical precedent, European countries are 
embracing harm reduction, a public health alternative based on the 
principle that both drug abuse and prohibition have the potential to cause 
harm. Examples of harm reduction include needle exchange programs to stop 
the spread of HIV, marijuana regulation aimed at separating the hard and 
soft drug markets, and treatment alternatives that do not require 
incarceration as a prerequisite. Unfortunately, fear of appearing "soft on 
crime" compels many U.S. politicians to support a failed drug war that 
ultimately subsidizes organized crime.

ROBERT SHARPE

Arlington, Va.

Editor's note: Mr. Sharpe is a policy analyst for the Washington-based 
Common Sense for Drug Policy.
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MAP posted-by: Beth