Pubdate: Wed, 22 May 2002
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2002 The Sun-Times Co.
Contact:  http://www.suntimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81
Author: Dave Michon
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n913/a07.html

NO JOB FOR AMATEURS

I read of Kate Patton losing her daughter to an overdose and then turning 
into a crusader [news story, May 13]. Now she serves on a state drug task 
force and has met the president. Despite all the attention she's getting, 
Patton admits a complete lack of knowledge about drugs and drug policy. 
Unfortunately, Patton is being used by these politicians, being victimized 
again.

We need experts to formulate drug policy--not politicians or these media 
figures, so we get real information and not hysterical propaganda from pols 
who fear any investigation into other options. After all, it is they who 
rail against groups that try to disseminate drug information that kids can 
use to stay alive simply because it is based in harm reduction. Maybe it 
would have kept Kelley Patton alive. Drug hysteria sure never kept anyone 
alive.

Dave Michon, Eau Claire, Wis.
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