Pubdate: Sun, 11 Feb 2001
Source: St. Petersburg Times (FL)
Copyright: 2001 St. Petersburg Times
Contact:  http://www.sptimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/419
Author:  John T. Spera

WE SHOULD TREAT DRUG ADDICTION AS A MEDICAL PROBLEM

When, oh, when are lawmen, politicians and especially prosecutors 
going to realize that drug addiction is a medical problem and not a 
criminal problem?

The case of Daryl Strawberry is a typical one. Assistant State 
Attorney Pam Bondi wants him in jail; he is a frail, sick man ridden 
with cancer! What makes her think he is a threat to society? She said 
he drives and he might kill or main someone. So have a close friend 
see to it that he doesn't drive a vehicle.

I agree with Strawberry's attorney, Joseph Ficarrotta, that 
Strawberry has violated parole many times: SO WHAT! He still needs 
medical treatment, not hard time as some misguided (or political) 
prosecutors want.

I am not saying all this because Daryl is a Yankee star but because 
he typifies many drug addicts who need medical treatment, not jail 
time. Our jails would be half empty if "they" would offer treatment 
to all minor drug offenders!
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