Drug laws

Recent studies recommending that the penalty for crack be reduced
are right on target.
Unfortunately, current drug laws owe their origin to racism rather
than justice.

Whatever the reasons, crack cocaine use is more common than
powder cocaine use in low-income communities where
African-Americans are disproportionately represented.

"To determine whether or not a drug should be controlled, it is
important to know the pattern of abuse of that substance, including
the socio-economic characteristics of the segments of the population
involved in such abuse." - Controlled Substances Act, 1970.

Consider the following: African-Americans represent:

* 12 percent of the U.S. population

* 13 percent of drug users

* 35 percent of arrests for drug possession

* 55 percent of convictions for drug possession

* 74 percent of prison sentences for drug possession

The constabulary used to enforce segregation laws. Now they
enforce drug laws.

The war on drugs has very little to do with reducing the harm
associated with drug use.

The war on drugs is not concerned with proven methods of reducing
the number of users.

The war on drugs is a war on people. The facts speak for
themselves.

JOHN F. WILSON, Waco