DRUG WAR WORSE THAN DRUG USE

Regarding your July 27 editorial on the Pride survey: The most striking
finding of the Pride survey was the dramatic decline in tobacco use among
teen-agers. Public education efforts are clearly paying off. This raises
serious questions about the $50 billion drug war. Apparently random drug
testing, mandatory minimum sentences, civil asset forfeiture and jail cells
are not necessarily the most effective means of discouraging unhealthy
choices. Most teen-agers outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving
illicit 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.
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 politically incorrect drugs like
marijuana are inconsequential compared to the long-term effects of criminal
records. Drug abuse is bad, but the zero-tolerance drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe, M.P.A. , Arlington, Va.

Sharpe is program officer for Drug Policy Alliance in Washington, D.C.