GOING BACKWARD IN ANTI-DRUG FIGHT

The Bush administration's hard-line drug policy proves that
"compassionate conservatism" is a contradiction. Taking two giant
steps backward in the fight against drugs, Bush appointed John
Walters as drug czar and exacerbated drug abuse by withholding
federal aid to convicted users, thus blatantly promoting ignorance.
Apparently, this administration doesn't realize that education is one
of the most effective routes to rehabilitation. Among student drug
users, those prosecuted are usually those who most need financial aid.

Walters' drug policy neglects treatment of addiction. Without
treatment, many will die while their families suffer. This callous
insensitivity is inexcusable.

This faulty policy has no realistic hope of improving the situation.
Reducing supply only increases demand, thus maintaining the problem
and its associated law enforcement and penal agencies. Treatment
helps the individual and solves the problem of demand. But that
wouldn't serve the "compassionate conservative" administration's
purposes, would it?