CLINTON'S CHANGE OF HEART ON DRUG LAWS IS HOPEFUL

I read with mixed emotions DeWayne Wickham's insightful piece on
former president Bill Clinton's "regret" for supporting draconian
crack cocaine sentencing measures in the 1990s ("Bill Clinton admits
'regret' on crack cocaine sentencing," The Forum, Tuesday).

It is encouraging that Clinton is taking responsibility for the racist
impact his drug policies had. Clinton stood by while the outrageous
100-to-1 crack sentencing disparity sent drastically increasing
numbers of people to prison for non-violent drug offenses. The
majority of families devastated by these inhumane drug sentences have
been black, despite equivalent rates of drug use among blacks and whites.

Another drug policy issue that has hit black Americans
disproportionately is the spread of hepatitis and HIV from the sharing
of used syringes.

Clinton has also expressed regret about his refusal to do anything to
lift the federal ban on funding for sterile syringe access to reduce
HIV.

The former president is a charismatic, influential leader. While we
have been disappointed with his track record, we believe in the power
of redemption and would love to have Clinton's passion and commitment
on this issue.

He can start showing his sincerity by advocating for the reform of New
York's horrific Rockefeller Drug Laws, which are at work right here in
his backyard.

Tony Newman

Drug Policy Alliance

New York