ARE WE FIGHTING THE RIGHT BATTLE?

New Wars Are Getting All the Attention Today, but a Key Question Remains
About the Old War on Drugs

America has been focused on the "war on terrorism" for more than two
years now, diverting attention from the decades-long "war on drugs."

But, nearly 20 million Americans over age 12 - more than 8 percent of
the population - were illegal drug users in 2002, according to the
federal government.

And, about 20 percent of the approximately 2 million prison inmates in
this country were locked up for drug offenses, according to the U.S.
Department of Justice.

The debate over drug use and how to deal with it is a cacophony of
differing legal, medical, financial and even moral views.

Today's Perspective highlights two aspects of the issue in a
commentary on criminalization by University of Denver law professor
Robert Hardaway and an essay on treatment and social costs by Adam
Brickner, director of Denver's drug strategy office.

On another topic, University of Denver religious studies professor
Carl Raschke analyzes America's culture wars.

We'd like to hear your views. Send us a letter.
We'll publish a selection in next Sunday's Perspective.