The Big Deal - Part 1B Of 5

THE BIG DEAL: OUR WAR ON DRUGS

Voices From The Community

From tax dollars to overdose deaths, the rochester region's war on
drugs is escalating. Use this Democrat and Chronicle Web site to talk
to us and listen to the community about the area's illegal drug
problem.

The Democrat and Chronicle interviewed dozens of people on the
frontlines and in the trenches of the local war on drugs. Here are
some opinions from the community. Read what they have to say, then
let us know what you think. Respond via e-mail or in a letter.

Hanif Abdul-Wahid: Rochesterians Against Illegal Narcotics "I do
think that...narcotics have become much more a way of life in some
segments of the community. We see violence as a result of that. I
think we have a long way to go in fighting narcotics."

Virginia Sawdey: Community Activist "We're out there walking
(PAC-TAC) for a very good reason -- to get information on drug
houses. I don't think they should legalize marijuana or any other
drug. We'll have more children stoned than anything. Can you imagine
what their schoolwork would be like? If someone is trying hard (to
get off drugs), they should be offered the opportunity of treatment
instead of prison. Putting them in jail sometimes is not the best
answer."

Donald Thompson: Local defense lawyer "We'd have criminal defense
counsel who'd have problems getting work if we didn't have all this
drug-enforcement work going on. Almost all federal cases I have
except one or two a year are drug-related. It keeps me in business. I
don't know if it's the most cost-effective use of our tax dollars. My
son is going to college as a result of crack. That's a little bit
different than most kids."

Betty Mandley: Catholic Family Center's Restart Substance Abuse
services "I think it's unfortunate that we call it a `War on Drugs.'
That creates an 'us vs. them' mentality. If I were an addict, I would
feel like I was on the wrong side. Especially in New York State, it's
difficult to meet the demands for treatment because there are not
enough funding or insurance resources. We have all the pieces to
handle this problem, but we don't always use them well."