U.S. A BAD DRUG MODEL

Editor, The News:

Re: Drug dangers (News Views, Nov. 23).

Tom Fletcher refers to safe consumption sites and maintenance programs as
enabling addicts. He even goes so far as to side with US drug czar John
Walters. Obviously, Mr. Fletcher, like Mr. Walters, is out of touch with
reality.

The programs in Western Europe, specifically those in Germany and
Switzerland are currently very successful at getting addicts back on their
feet and contributing to society, while at the same time reducing the
spread of diseases such as Hepatitis and AIDS. American policies have lead
to very high rates AIDS and hepatitis. They have done nothing to
rehabilitate. In fact, 2 out of 3 of our imprisoned addicts who are
released return to prison. This cannot be considered a success.

Jason Marrs, Ossining, New York, USA