Pubdate: Fri, 18 Jul 2014
Source: Record, The (Kitchener, CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 Metroland Media Group Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.therecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/225
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n590/a03.html
Author: Robert Sharpe
Page: A10

FAULT WAR ON DRUGS

Re: Good Samaritan immunity law could save lives - July 14

Regarding Kayla Follett's thoughtful commentary, 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 easily preventable
deaths.

Rehabilitation also is confounded.

I think 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,
D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Matt