Pubdate: Fri, 26 May 2006
Source: Times Union (Albany, NY)
Copyright: 2006 Capital Newspapers Division of The Hearst Corporation
Contact: http://www.timesunion.com/forms/emaileditor.asp
Website: http://www.timesunion.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/452
Author: Linda O'Malley, The NEST
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/David+Soares (David Soares)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?140 (Rockefeller Drug Laws)

APPLAUD SOARES FOR DRUG LAW STATEMENT

I completely disagree with Andrew VanWagenen's assertion that David 
Soares is making hypocritical or political statements about the 
Rockefeller Drug Laws. That he (Mr. VanWagenen) is a retired police 
officer is no surprise. The us/them mentality is the first thing to 
be overcome in this discussion.

The prison industrial complex of New York has gotten obese on the 
Rockefeller Drug Laws. Immediately after one poor, inner-city kid is 
carted off to prison for dealing, another one steps up to take his 
place. I live in the inner city, Mr. VanWagenen. That is what is 
"standard" in my community. Mr. Soares knows that this is what's 
happening, and has been for years. This is status quo. And I applaud 
Mr. Soares for daring to say so.

I cannot see how making this statement is "against the police." This 
is a ridiculous and superficial reading of his statements.

We live in a high-tax state. Frankly, it is about time change 
happened, and if David Soares has the guts to, at very least, start 
serious discussion, then let the man speak. It's time we all spoke up.

Unfortunately, we live in a time when speaking the truth is political suicide.

Linda O'Malley

The NEST Shuttle Project

Troy
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