RIGHT WORDS ON DRUGS

The nation's drug czar said all the right things in a speech in Nashville
this week, but the administration must back up its words with deeds.

John P. Walters said the Bush team wants to increase funding for treatment
funding by $1.6 billion over the next five years. That's certainly a
progressive step if the administration follows through.

But it's also an issue worth watching, because this nation has stumbled in
the past in its approach to the drug problem. Even when success could be
claimed, complacency has led to new problems. A constant vigil is necessary.

Walters speaks of a three-pronged effort, including treatment, prevention
and intervention. He echoes the message President Bush has articulated in
recent months as the president has promoted the value of treatment in the
battle against drugs.

It's worth noting, however, that Walters served under former President
George Bush in the early 1990s. That administration concentrated heavily on
policing the drug trade. The attention now toward treatment and prevention
is an excellent step.

The current administration does continue to point to the importance of
interdiction. One of President Bush's more effective arguments is that if
you buy drugs the chances are great that you're helping finance terrorists.

Yet the most effective approach will be one that balances interdiction,
education and treatment. Reaction to White's remarks in Nashville this week
seemed favorable from treatment and prevention advocates. If the ills of
drug addiction can be conquered, it would whip a lot of related ills.