Massachusetts state Sen. James P. Jajuga, D-Methuen, thinks we need to take a new look at the way we handle those convicted of drug crimes. Now, he says, he wonders if mandatory minimum jail sentences are working. He asks if we should not consider doing more with drug treatment than with incarceration. We don't know what is prompting Sen. Jajuga's shift in position. But he is absolutely correct.
More people are in jail for drug offenses than for other types of crime.
Drug offenders are serving longer sentences than those convicted of rape and murder. Nationally, billions are spent trying to stop the flow of drugs across our border. We are supporting the training of armed forces in places like Colombia in an attempt to stop production of cocaine. Despite all this effort, illegal drugs are cheaper and more potent than ever. In spite of all our efforts, drugs are plentiful on our streets.