Pubdate: Fri, 16 Sep 2005
Source: Macon Telegraph (GA)
Copyright: 2005 The Macon Telegraph Publishing Company
Contact:  http://www.macontelegraph.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/667
Author: David Bartlett
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)

THE DRUG WAR

When a decision is made to go to war, it's expected that a high
price-tag will accompany that decision. I think most Americans would
agree that as long as the results desired are obtainable, and the cost
can be justified, the decision should be supported.

The reason why there is so much protest to the war in Iraq and
Afghanistan is that we know, regardless of how much money we spend or
human lives we sacrifice, we will never win.

Unfortunately there is also a war being fought in our own community -
the "War on Drugs." Since the "Ice Storm" hit about three years ago,
the number of drug/ice abusers in Houston County has steadily
increased. It would probably be safe to say that somewhere in the
neighborhood of 15 to 20 pounds of "ice" methamphetamine is being
consumed daily in Houston County.

It is definitely time for a change. It appears that our locally
elected legislators have, at all cost, a desire to arrest all drug
abusers/sellers, keep the new jail at full capacity and ensure that
drug abusers stay either incarcerated or on probation for the next 10
to 20 years. A simple plan but not too family friendly.

What if we reduce the demand for "ice" through education awareness and
rehabilitation so that the suppliers will look elsewhere to unload
their poison or go out of business? I propose a methamphetamine
awareness and rehabilitation complex in Warner Robins. If we are
sincere in our efforts, we could all be proud someday in saying that
there are hundreds fewer drug users this year in our county, than last.

David Bartlett

Perry
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