PROP. 36 OFFERS EXPANDED DRUG TREATMENT WHILE RETAINING PENALTIES

While it is true that drug treatment that works requires both
accountability and consequences, it is absolutely untrue that
Proposition 36 offers neither.

It provides for an expansion of existing drug treatment programs and
for significant consequences and sanctions, to be determined by the
sentencing judge, should a client fail to comply with treatment. Under
its provisions, judges also can order job training, literacy training
and family counseling.

It's true that it does not allow for additional funds to be used for
drug testing, but why would it? Those funds are already in place.

Drug testing is highly overrated as an impediment to drug use, anyway;
there are about as many ways to manipulate urine drug screens as there
are enrollees in drug court in San Diego County.

Proposition 36 is a safe, smart alternative to the failed drug war. To
quote the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous, "Half measures avail us
nothing.

Kimberlee Healey,
Cardiff-by-the-Sea