At least half of all prisoners have drug-related problems. 80,000,000 Americans have used illegal drugs. Yes, our policies corrupt society, agrees Gov. Johnson, but that s not his thrust. Politicians follow, Gov. Johnson reminds us. And we don t have to start from scratch.
Successful models exist.
In Zurich, Switzerland, even the Chief of Police brags about the positive effects of decriminalizing heroin. While Governor Johnson agrees that corruption is the silent partner of today s policies, he sticks to what he considers a reality-based argument. Americans use harmful drugs that kill them. That includes tobacco, alcohol, and prescription drugs, all of which kill in grossly larger numbers than cocaine or heroin. Our demand for drugs keeps the supply coming.