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| Portugal Takes Away Prison as a Penalty for Drugs |
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Posted by FoM on August 21, 2001 at 08:05:32 PT By David Holley, Times Staff Writer Source: Los Angeles Times 
Agostinho Miguel Teixeira, a heroin addict, spoke in amazement about what happened when police caught him shooting up with a friend the other night. "They started to help us," the 28-year-old said. "One of them turned on his flashlight and pointed to our arms so we could do it easier, because it was really dark. The other said: 'Don't worry, we're not here to give you trouble. Do your stuff and then give us the syringes and come with us to the police station.' "But the two addicts weren't being arrested. After four hours of bureaucracy, but no charges that could land them in jail, Teixeira and his friend were released, the beneficiaries of a new Portuguese law decriminalizing the use of drugs--including heroin. Snipped Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #2 posted by PoisonedFor4YrsSoFar on August 21, 2001 at 14:57:03 PT |
| Its hard to improve over Ethan's comments. "Something is wrong" indeed. I feel like I am on the wrong side of the new Iron Curtain. Hopefully the economy will improve and I will be able to move from Stalag America. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #1 posted by Ethan Russo, MD on August 21, 2001 at 11:00:40 PT:
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| I am certain that we will all look at this article and have opinions about how policies could be even better. Let's forget that for a moment, and merely consider what an improvement this is over Amerikan policy. The police get to help people. Addicts are grateful and attempt to get better. Nobody gets hurt. No one is vilified, marginalized or incarcerated. Something is wrong when Portugese politicians see the obvious advantages to such a system, while Amerikan fat cat ideologues remain mired in ignorance and hate. [ Post Comment ] |
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