Reaction to Walters' Selection as Drug Czar May 14, 2001
News Summary
President Bush's nomination of John P. Walters as director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has drawn support and opposition from various camps in the addiction field, the Associated Press reported May 10.Some of those who were hoping for someone who would look upon treating drug addiction as a health issue rather than a crime said Walters doesn't fit the bill. "Everything about John Walters' past record suggests that he believes drug policy has nothing to do with science or public health. It's all about punishing people for their sins," said Ethan Nadelmann, director of the Lindesmith Center.
Walters is a proponent of tough drug-law enforcement, and rejects claims that too many small-time offenders are in prison. He also supports the military's involvement in fighting the war on drugs and in punishing nations that fail to fight drug trafficking.
Those beliefs have Rep. William Delahunt (D-Mass.) concerned that Walters may make it difficult for policymakers to come to an agreement on drug issues. "He appears to be a polarizing figure and oftentimes the rhetoric that he has used sends certain messages that are disturbing," said Delahunt, a former prosecutor.
Walters' supporters include former drug czar William Bennett. "John is about the most knowledgeable person in the country on all aspects of this drug problem," said Bennett.
Walters will oversee a $19 billion federal anti-drug budget that currently allocates about two-thirds of the funds to reduce supply, with the remainder for curbing demand.
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