PRISON PUSH ISN'T SOLVING DRUG WOES

Asheville City Council-man Carl Mum-power loves the drug zealot
spotlight, but seldom do such people really evaluate the results of
the policies they tout.

Mumpower is quick to tell you how he has gone to crime-ridden areas,
witnessing and participating in illicit drug sales. He infers from
his observations that there is an epidemic of illicit drug activity.

While an exaggeration, there is a base core of drug users and
suppliers just like every other city.

The problem with current drug laws is that they are very severe,
calling for lengthy prison sentences, which often cause more social
problems than they help.

Hundreds of police officers across the country have come to the same
conclusion, that increased enforcement of the drug supply increases
crime on several levels (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition -
L.E.A.P. www.leap.cc).

Robberies and other crime increase to cover drugs' higher prices and
organized crime increases as well. The United States currently houses
25 percent of the world's prison population. What percentage of our
population does Mumpower feel needs to be imprisoned before drug use
would stop - and at what costs to society? Besides their drug use,
most users have no criminal intent.

While addiction can be devastating, years in prison is often far
worse. Inflicting the violence and trauma of prison should be a last
resort for addicts and dealers who also violate other laws while on
or obtaining drugs, but not for the drugs themselves.

There are many functioning drug users in society who otherwise lead
productive lives and are supportive to their families. Years in
prison for people in this category can be detrimental to the
imprisoned as well as their family. The financial burden can become
permanent. In addition, the cost to society is very high.

I would like to see Mumpower spend 30 days in the Buncombe County
Detention Facility and then see if he thinks this is the best we can
do for people who use and supply drugs but are otherwise law-abiding,
tax-paying citizens. He may grow compassion for his peers after a
short time behind bars.

We do not need to lock up more people; we need more social support
near the people who can use it.

Nutrition, employment, recreation and education programs, dollar for
dollar, will bring a much greater return on the quality of life for
all the people in our community while setting an example for others
that compassion can be an inspiration for positive change for all people.