Pubdate: Thu, 26 Dec 2002 Source: Stillwater News Press (OK) Copyright: 2002 Stillwater News Press Contact: http://www.stwnewspress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/789 Author: Ron duBois Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) KISS $380 GOODBYE As 2002 comes to a close, take $380 out of your wallet and kiss it goodbye - - that's how much you'll pay for the Drug War next year. That's right. Next year, 131 million American taxpayers will fund a Drug War that will cost nearly $50 billion. That averages $380 for each individual taxpayer. That's money wasted on silly interdiction programs doomed to fail; federal police agencies that presumably should have more important priorities; prison cells for non-violent drug offenders; DARE programs that don't prevent drug abuse; research agendas corrupted by political interference; and treatment programs that too often are quick to punish and slow to really help those in need. Ron duBois, Stillwater - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager