DRUG WAR IS MORE HARMFUL THAN HELPFUL

Regarding Anthony Papa's July 8 op-ed, the zero tolerance drug war is
part of the problem. Illegal drug users are 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. Zero tolerance results in easily preventable deaths.
Rehabilitation is also confounded. I think it's safe to say 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. Drug abuse is bad, but the drug war is
worse.

Robert Sharpe Policy Analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy

Arlington, Va.