Pubdate: Fri, 23 Aug 2013
Source: Day, The (New London,CT)
Copyright: 2013 The Day Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.theday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/293
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n413/a09.html

JUST END, DON'T EASE, THE FOOLISH DRUG WAR

This is in response to the guest editorial, "Easing The Drug War," 
(Aug. 17). The drug war is part of the problem. Illegal drug users 
are reluctant to seek medical attention in the event of an overdose 
for fear of being charged with a crime. Attempting to save the life 
of a friend could result in a murder charge. Overzealous drug war 
enforcement results in preventable deaths.

Rehabilitation is confounded. It's safe to say that turnout at 
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be rather low if alcoholism were 
a crime pursued with zero-tolerance zeal. Eliminating the penalties 
associated with illicit drug use would encourage the type of honest 
discussion necessary to facilitate rehabilitation and save lives.

Robert Sharpe Policy Analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington, DC
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