The Republicans are concerned with the image this will present to youth. The Democrats believe the proposal does not go far enough to address the problem. The argument between the Democrats and Republicans is superfluous. Drugs like crack and powder cocaine are illegal for a reason. They can and do inflict serious harm, both physically and psychologically, upon their users.
Drugs cross race and class lines.
Any proposal that even hints at acceptance of any kind of drug for any person of any color is off base and wrong. If anything is done concerning the sentences of powder and crack cocaine, both should be raised. Following that, more money should be allocated to anti-drug education, as that is the most effective weapon. Only then will justice approach equality. Kriston Beardsley's opinions column originally appeared in Friday's Daily Iowan.