RETHINK THE WAR ON DRUGS

The Nov. 19 editorial on the success of state-level drug-policy reform
referendums was right on target ("The Other Election Result"). The war on
drugs has indeed always been a war on people, with the heaviest casualties
occurring among members of minority groups and in inner-city neighborhoods.

With violent crime rates continuing along a downward trend, the drug war is
the main reason the Land of the Free now has the highest incarceration rate
in the world.

Putting Americans with substance-abuse problems behind bars with hardened
criminals is a dangerous proposition. According to research published in
American Psychologist, about one-fourth of those initially imprisoned for
non-violent crimes are sentenced for a second time for committing a violent
offense. Whatever else it reflects, this pattern highlights the possibility
that prison serves to transmit violent habits and values rather than to
reduce them.

The United States is making a big mistake by criminalizing illicit
substance abuse. Imagine if every alcoholic in America were denied
treatment due to lack of funds. Now take that one step further. Imagine if
every alcoholic were thrown in jail and given a permanent criminal record.
How many lives would be destroyed? How many families torn apart and career
aspirations shattered? How many tax dollars would be wasted turning
potentially productive members of society into hardened criminals? It's
time to rethink the failed drug war.

Robert Sharpe, M.P.A. program officer, The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy
Foundation,

4455 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.