POLITICS OF ZERO TOLERANCE

Re: "War on drugs undermines the safety of our children - Substances
need to be decriminalized, controlled, says Joy Strickland," Friday Viewpoints.

Zero tolerance is part of the problem. Illegal drug users are often
reluctant to seek medical attention in the event of an overdose for
fear of being charged with a crime. Attempting to save the life of a
friend could result in a murder charge. Overzealous drug war
enforcement results in easily preventable deaths.

Also, that turnout at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be rather
low if alcoholism were a crime pursued with zero-tolerance zeal.
Eliminating the penalties associated with illicit drug use would
encourage the type of honest discussion necessary to facilitate
rehabilitation and save lives.

Robert Sharpe, policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy, Washington, D.C.