MANY DRUG OFFENDERS HAVE LONG CRIMINAL RECORDS

Robert Sharpe's May 22 letter, "Foolhardy Rockefeller Drug Laws destroy
lives," while containing a number of valid points, also perpetuates the
falsehood of a benign "nonviolent drug offender." Many of the so-called
"nonviolent" drug offenders have long criminal histories. Chances are that
the system was lenient with them for their first or second offense,
providing it was minor.

As the number of offenses grew, so did the length time the individual was
sentenced to serve. As far as treating drug abuse as a public health issue,
I agree to a point. Treatment and education are fine insofar as the
individual wishes to change. I have encountered numerous individuals who
have gone through several rehabs only to return to destructive ways after
release. There's no magic formula. You can lead a horse to water, but you
can't make him drink.

One last thought. Man has sought to alter his consciousness through various
substances since the dawn of time. Society has limited options in dealing
with this. Enforce the drug laws on the books, don't enforce them or enact
some form of legalization. Each option has a cost both in human terms and
money. Legalization, which has been touted a solution, would still require
government regulation and law enforcement.

PETER ARMAND FAVATA, Correction Officer, Albany County Correctional Facility