LAW-AND-ORDER CROWD OVERLOOKS SENTENCING COSTS

To the Editor:

Like a weed that thrives in drought, the drug war continues to grow in
Illinois. The state is facing a $1.2 billion budget deficit, but
legislators are supporting increased funding for drug prohibition.

Last week, state Senate members approved a measure to increase penalties
for possession of small amounts of heroin. The legislation calls for felony
possession of a single gram of heroin to be punished with up to 15 years in
prison. House members had already approved the bill, so now it goes to the
governor.

A single senator voted against the bill, citing concerns about prison
overcrowding.

By their votes, other senators seem to think it's a good idea, although
they must understand that Illinois already has tough drug laws. Tougher
laws mean more prison costs, but that never translates into lessened
availability of drugs. Maybe lawmakers will consider the actual effects of
the legislation when there's a real budget crisis -- say a $2 billion deficit.

Of course, the monetary cost of the drug war is one thing; what about the
costs for citizens in terms of violent black markets, scaled-back civil
liberties and limited medical choices?

To describe the Illinois drug war as a drought-resistant weed actually
understates the case. Prohibition is more like the mutant plant in "Little
Shop of Horrors" -- constantly growing, and ready to devour any resources
within reach.

It's time to stop feeding beast with money we don't have, and lives we
can't afford to waste.

Stephen Young,

Member, Drug Policy Forum of Illinois

Roselle