DRUG LEGALIZATION IS NOT THE ANSWER

Much attention is being paid, at the moment, to advocacy groups and
others who suggest that we decriminalize or legalize the use of illicit drugs.

Proponents of drug legalization would have you believe that the
prohibition of illegal drugs is the source of many ills in our
society. The arguments in support of legalization include the notions
that decriminalization would save money and curb the violence in
neighboring Mexico.

Little, however, is being said about the fact that drugs take a
devastating toll on our families and in our communities on both sides
of the border.

Make no mistake, drugs are harmful, and you will never see any
societal benefit to their legalized availability and use.

I do not dispute that we should have an open discussion about the
current war being waged to interdict the distribution and use of
illegal drugs. That discussion should, however, not begin or end with
the option of legalization.

Decriminalization is not good public policy from a health and
public-safety standpoint.

A legitimate national discussion and open dialogue should focus on
how to decrease both the supply and demand for drugs through a
variety of prevention, interdiction, and treatment initiatives.

The many consequences of drug use are ugly, no question. We,
therefore, can not deviate from the message that drugs, in all forms,
are harmful, and it is not lawful to produce, distribute, or consume them.

We cannot afford to send a message of tolerance for drug use of any
kind. This is especially the wrong message for America's youth.

Leaders on the front lines in the battle against drug addiction -- in
health care, education, prevention, treatment, and law enforcement --
can attest to the devastating affects of harmful drugs.

In my work prosecuting violent crime in this community, I can tell
you that increased availability of drugs through legalization will
cause the crime rate to increase. Drug abuse is not a victimless crime.

Violent crimes such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, and domestic
violence are committed every day in our community by individuals
under the influence of drugs. Drug abuse thus affects the health,
welfare, and safety of all people, users and non-users alike.

In the ongoing effort to formulate strong drug-control policy, we
should welcome an open discussion about more effective and efficient
ways to combat the distribution and use of these harmful substances,
both from a public-health standpoint as well as a criminal-justice standpoint.

The most effective drug policy would include a continued and
sustained effort to reduce both the demand and the supply of harmful drugs.