DRUG WAR STATISTIC'S

To the Editor;

The current global trend is to move away from the American "do drugs-do
time" drug policy model, especially as it pertains to marijuana. It is not
a war on drugs. It is a war on drug users, especially those from
underprivileged and minority groups, driven by ignorance and fear and waged
with lies. ( America is on a lonely road in it's drug policy, 23 August 2001.)

The U.S. was unseated from the UN Human Rights Commission and the
International Narcotics Control Board. Why? Could it be our drug war
statistics?

What country in it's right mind want our statistics!

1980-- 50,000 incarcerated, today 2 million. 500,000 ( 1 of every 4 ) for
non-violent drug use.

1980-- 581,000 arrested for drug violations. Last year, 1.6 million
arrested for drug violations.

A 573% increase in female prison population in 20 years. 50% in for drug use.

1980 federal drug control budget $1 billion. This years budget $19.5
billion. ( Bush just allocated another 1/2 billion for Colombia.) An
estimated $40 billion is spent by state and local governments.

The Drug War is just one factor of a greater, much more frightening
problem. Our politicians think they know what is best for us morally,
physically, and ethically.

Larry Seguin Lisbon, New York