DEMOCRATS, TOO, SENT DRUG USERS TO PRISON

The writer is program officer, Drug Policy Alliance.

William Moyers unfairly singles out President George W. Bush in "Bush's
recovery should shape his drug policies" (July 5 Viewpoint). Drug war
hypocrisy is by no means limited to Republicans. After admitting to smoking
pot (but not inhaling), former President Bill Clinton opened himself up to
"soft on drugs" criticism. And thousands of Americans 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.

While youthful indiscretions did not stop Clinton or Bush from assuming
leadership positions, an arrest surely would have. The short-term health
effects of popular illicit drugs like marijuana are inconsequential
compared to the long-term effects of criminal records. Destroying the
futures of kids who make unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone.

Robert Sharpe

Washington, D.C.