RETHINK DRUG POLICIES

In the aftermath of the Stratford High drug raid, it is time to look
below the surface and realize the destructive consequences of the drug
war itself.

Let us acknowledge the devastation that can result from drug abuse.
Let us also admit that our failed drug policies escalate rather than
reduce the risks and violence associated with drug use. This may
explain why, as was stated in the Nov. 16 article, the culture of guns
and violence has risen while the use of drugs has declined among high
school students.

Lt. Dave Aarons was quoted as saying that guns were drawn as "a matter
of officer safety," and that "anytime you have qualified information
regarding drugs and large amounts of money, there's a reasonable
assumption weapons are involved." Rather than bringing in officers
with drawn guns, we need to reduce the driving force behind the
presence of weapons in our schools.

I don't want the lives of our students, teachers or police officers
put at risk. The time has come to re-examine our failed drug policies
and to explore community-strengthening alternatives (such as funded
drug treatment programs instead of mandatory sentencing to our already
over-crowded prison system) that will save lives as well as tax dollars.

Amy Horwitz

Alexander St.