Pubdate: Mon, 16 Dec 2002
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2002 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.oklahoman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Benjamin Jones

MISSING THE POINT 

TO THE EDITOR: While I agree that people with substance abuse problems
shouldn't be incarcerated for being addicted to a certain drug, the state's
deputy commissioner for substance abuse services, Ben Brown ("Point of
View," Dec. 11), misses the point of the outcry over letting DUI offenders
out early. There's a huge difference between being incarcerated for
possessing drugs and being arrested for driving while intoxicated.

While people shouldn't be prosecuted for their addictions, they certainly
should be prosecuted for criminal actions that they take part in, under the
influence or not. Give them rehabilitation programs in jail, but they still
should serve their time.

Benjamin Jones, Moore
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