Rob Killian, M.D.

The Seattle Times

Editorials & Opinion : Wednesday, February 07, 2001

Chance to reform

America has been fighting the wrong fight in the drug war. It has funded law enforcement and the judicial system and failed to address the real issues behind dangerous drug use and self-destructive behaviors.

America's children have been pawns in a public policy debate that has led to the ever-increasing budgets for military and judicial systems poorly equipped to handle the public health crisis of drug addiction and drug misuse.

Washington voters, like the rest of the country, are tired of the empty rhetoric that displays our public policy hypocrisy. Our "get tough on drugs" approach has only applied to the least popular drugs, while ignoring the drugs that cause the most damage to families and health. Our neighbors are tired of a political debate while our children and neighbors are being ravaged by addictions and a law-enforcement community bent on punishment without any recognition that addiction is a medical problem.

Our community is hungry for real leadership on the issue of drug use and misuse. Why is The Seattle Times and its editorial staff afraid of the move toward requiring appropriate drug treatment and community service for drug addicts and those convicted of drug use?

Californians who passed Prop. 36 were not wrong. Politicians seem wary to handle any real change in drug policy. Bureaucrats who work for state and federal agencies have little leeway to advocate policy different than what has been legislated. Washington voters are ready for change. We can scarcely survive another round of prison-building and not begin creating appropriate community services for those drawn toward substance abuse and addiction.

The Washington Legislature now has several bills to consider these issues. And we should look forward to the public debate an initiative will bring us if the Legislature fails to act this year on these matters.

Robert Killian, MD/MPH, Seattle