Pubdate: Wed, 12 May 1999
Source: Standard-Times (MA)
Copyright: 1999 The Standard-Times
Contact:  http://www.s-t.com/
Author:  DAVE MICHON, Spooner, WI

USE DRUG WAR MONEY FOR WHAT WORKS

The cities of New Bedford and Youngstown, Ohio are to be commended for
seeking to address the harm of drugs in their communities; but, in seeking
more of the same from the same War On Drugs, Inc. tacticians, the leaders of
these cities demonstrate their inability to come to grips with the sad
facts.

Those facts are as plain as the Bristol County district attorney's 80
percent drug case focus or the fact that New Bedford leads the region in
drug seizures. Clearly the drug warriors are in charge, have had their day
(decades) and failed miserably. Now they've got their hands out for more.
It's time for that money to start going where it may do some good.

Bill Clinton looked America in the eye and promised "treatment on demand,"
and it's time for America to demand that treatment now. Heroin Assisted
Treatment has been a resounding success in Europe and methadone treatment is
currently unavailable or unaffordable. This situation is intolerable; that
political leaders would propose more of the same is incredible.

DAVE MICHON Spooner, WI

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