DRUG TREATMENT PROPOSITION IS WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING

Reporter Editor:

Proposition 36 is undoubtedly the most dangerous and misleading initiative
to come before the voters of California in many years. This proposition
takes the first giant step toward legalizing all drugs.

By removing accountability and consequences, drug users would have little
incentive to reform. If passed it will decriminalize heroin, crank, cocaine
and other illegal drugs. These are the drugs behind most cases of child
abuse, domestic violence, sexual assaults and other violent and
theft-related crimes.

The initiative prohibits jail or prison for virtually any people convicted
of using or possessing these drugs, even abusers with a long history of drug
dealing, parole violation or past felony offenses. Proposition 36 prevents
prison or jail for persons convicted of possessing illegal drugs while armed
with loaded firearms, or of abusing drugs while on parole. In effect, it
allows hard-core and dangerous criminals to remain on the street.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, drug-abusing parents account
for 50 percent of all child abuse cases. Six times more homicides, four
times more assaults and one and a half times as many robberies are committed
by people under the influence of drugs than are crimes committed by people
trying to get money to buy drugs. Drug users are five to 10 times more
likely to be involved in fatal traffic accidents than are drunken drivers.

Proposition 36 claims to be a drug probation and treatment program. In
reality this initiative threatens public safety, sends the wrong message to
our youth, and will cost taxpayers millions in added public safety for court
and drug abuse costs.

Proposition 36 threatens the safety of our schools, teachers, students and
neighborhoods. It undermines "drug-free school zones," zero tolerance
policies and successful anti-drug programs like DARE and "Just Say No."

Drug-using teens are three times more likely to commit suicide than
non-using teens and 75 percent of teenage runaways are substance abusers.

If the price of Proposition 36 is that society must sacrifice the safety of
our communities, neighborhoods, schools, homes, and children, then the price
is much too high. Society can't afford it. Join Californians who care about
public safety and protecting our youth by "just saying no to Proposition
36."

Bob Pattillo, Fairfield