PROP. 36 OFFERS EXPANDED DRUG TREATMENT WHILE RETAINING PENALTIES

The purpose of San Diego's drug court, created by Milliken, was
laudatory. But, with the passage of time, its goal to help diminish
crime and help non-violent drug addicts rehabilitate has changed.

It has been observed that even the most intelligent and experienced
persons will draw from their experiences only the conclusions their
prejudices permit. The combined experiences of the San Diego
authorities who operate the drug courts have prejudiced them against
expanding a valuable program into an exemplary program. Approval of
Proposition 36 is essential if we are to be guided by intelligence
instead of prejudice.

In creating a new and expanded effort for non-violent addicts,
power-sharing will be required. But enormous sums of money will be
saved, and funds spent will be much more effective in achieving the
original goal of helping the addict and protecting the public.

Presently, a plot to protect a good program while declaring war on a
more perfect program is being waged. What a pity!

Joe C. Garrett,
San Diego