UNDERHANDED EFFORTS USED TO SUBVERT DRUG TREATMENT INITIATIVES

Here in Florida we watch with interest the attempt by Ohio citizens to
change current drug policy to one that favors health-care alternatives over
strict criminal sanctions. This over the overt and also covert opposition
of Gov. Taft.

In our own state, Gov. Jeb Bush is using similar methods, along with some
of America's most ardent drug warriors, to derail a similar initiative. The
same arguments are put forth, including the astounding suggestion that this
is simply a "ploy" that will lead "to the full legalization of ALL drugs."

Statements like these from Bush and Taft are patently absurd since they
imply that a majority of citizens and/or legislators favor full
legalization. But absurdity has never been a problem for Bush, and I doubt
it has been for your own governor.

Maybe the politicians are required to adhere to the party line of strong
criminal sanctions because law enforcement, customs, the prison and
military-industrial complex, the drug-testing industry, the commercial
"drug treatment" industry, the DEA, the politicians themselves et al can't
live without the budget justification, not to mention the invisible
profits, bribery, corruption and forfeiture benefits that traditional drug
prohibition affords them.

Stephen Heath

Drug Policy Forum of Florida