We must do, and we will do, a better job. Fortunately, today we know more about what works in prevention and education, treatment and law enforcement. We will put this knowledge to use. But above all, our efforts rest on an unwavering commitment to stop drug use. Acceptance of drug use is simply not an option for this administration.
Drug use harms people of every economic class.
But drug use is doing the most damage to the poor. John Jacob, former President of the National Urban League, has said that drugs are destroying more children and more families than poverty ever did. John Walters and I believe the only humane and compassionate response to drug use is a moral refusal to accept it. We emphatically disagree with those who favor drug legalization. Drug legalization would be a social catastrophe.