Pubdate: Tue, 24 Oct 2006
Source: Herald-Sun, The (Durham, NC)
Copyright: 2006 The Herald-Sun
Contact:  http://www.herald-sun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1428
Author: Robert Sharpe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

DRUGS CAUSE CORRUPTION

The case of the Durham Sheriff's deputy charged with cocaine 
trafficking is not an isolated incident.

The institutional corruption engendered by the drug war stretches 
from coast to coast and reaches the highest levels.

The high-profile Los Angeles Police Department Rampart scandal 
involved anti-drug officers selling drugs and framing gang members.

A former commander of U.S. anti-drug operations in Colombia was found 
guilty of laundering the profits of his wife's heroin smuggling operation.

Entire countries have been destabilized by the corrupting influence 
of the illegal drug trade.

Like alcohol prohibition in the 1920s, the drug war is causing 
tremendous societal harm, while failing miserably at preventing use. 
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.

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

Robert Sharpe

Arlington, Va.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman