Pubdate: Thu, 05 Jun 2008
Source: Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, CA)
Copyright: 2008 Appeal-Democrat
Contact: 
http://www.appeal-democrat.com/sections/services/forms/editorletter.php
Website: http://www.appeal-democrat.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1343
Author: John Anderson

TIME TO RETHINK THE DRUGS FIGHT

Last Thursday's newspaper had a story about an event in Yuba City 
("Heroin sales help with bail?" May 29) that was terrible in too many ways.

Unfortunately, thinking that the YC arrests are "an end to the heroin 
problem" is as naive as thinking that the guy getting a roadside 
ticket represents "the end of speeding."

Back in 1982, President Reagan officially declared the War on Drugs, 
with the promise of a drug-free America by 1995. I wonder how the war 
on drugs can ever be won while there's so much money to be made.

The time is past due to rethink the strategy. Some say that drug 
abuse is a medical issue, better treated like alcoholism. I agree.

I encourage anyone to read the Consumers Union Report on Licit and 
Illicit Drugs, written in 1972, and available online. I also 
encourage anyone to read their Bible, particularly Matthew 7:12.

John Anderson

Dobbins
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom