DRUG WAR HURTS MORE PEOPLE THAN IT HELPS

I am writing in response to Ronald Fraser's April 17 guest column, "Reducing
prison costs can save W.Va. taxpayers millions."

West Virginia is one of many states grappling with overcrowded prisons. If
harsh penalties served to deter drug use, the elusive goal of a "drug-free"
America would have been achieved decades ago. Instead of adding to what is
already the highest incarceration rate in the world, we should be funding
cost-effective drug treatment.

Drug policy should focus not on punishing users of politically incorrect
drugs, but rather on reducing the death, disease, crime and suffering
associated with both drug abuse and prohibition. At present, drug users are
reluctant to seek medical attention in the event of an overdose. Attempting
to save the life of a friend could result in a murder charge. Eliminating
the stigma and penalties associated with illicit drug use would facilitate
rehabilitation and save lives. I think it's safe to say that the turnout at
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be rather low if alcoholism were a crime
pursued with zero tolerance zeal.

Drug abuse is bad, but the drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe
Program Officer
Drug Policy Alliance
Washington, D.C.