Pubdate: Thu, 14 Dec 2006
Source: Kennebec Journal (Augusta, ME)
Copyright: 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc
Contact: 
http://centralmaine.mainetoday.com/readerservices/lettertotheeditor.html
Website: http://www.centralmaine.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1405
Author: Robert Sharpe

DRUG ABUSE IS BAD, BUT THE DRUG WAR IS WORSE

Regarding Evert Fowle's Dec. 10 commentary, Kennebec County is not 
the only jurisdiction grappling with overcrowded jails. Throughout 
the nation, states facing budget shortfalls are pursuing alternatives 
to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders. A study conducted by 
the Rand Corp. found that every additional dollar invested in 
substance abuse treatment saves taxpayers $7.48 in societal costs. 
There is far more at stake than tax dollars. The drug war is not the 
promoter of family values that some would have us believe. Children 
of inmates are at risk of educational failure, joblessness, addiction 
and delinquency.

Not only do the children lose out, but society as a whole does too. 
Incarcerating non-violent drug offenders alongside hardened criminals 
is the equivalent of providing them with a taxpayer-funded education 
in anti-social behavior. Turning drug users into unemployable ex-cons 
is a senseless waste of tax dollars. It's time to declare peace in 
the failed drug war and begin treating all substance abuse, legal or 
otherwise, as the public health problem it is.

Destroying the futures and families of citizens who make unhealthy 
choices doesn't benefit anyone. Drug abuse is bad, but the drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.