EVEN WORSE THAN DRUG ABUSE

Re "Drug czar rips legalization 'lie,' " Sept. 24 article:

That marijuana can be harmful if abused is not subject to debate. What drug
czar John Walters seemingly fails to realize is that jail cells are not
appropriate health interventions. As program officer for the Drug Policy
Alliance in Washington, D.C., I know that most teenagers outgrow their
youthful indiscretions involving drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on
the other hand, can be life-shattering.

After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling), former President Bill
Clinton opened himself up to "soft on drugs" criticism. And thousands of
Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered lives. More
Americans went to prison or jail during the Clinton administration than
during any past administration.

As an admitted former drinker and alleged illicit drug user, President
George W. Bush is also politically vulnerable when it comes to drugs. While
youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton or Bush from assuming leadership
positions, an arrest surely would have. The short-term health effects of
marijuana are inconsequential compared to the long- term effects of
criminal records. Drug abuse is bad, but the zero tolerance drug war is worse.