ould save money. States spend an average of $30,000 per prisoner per year compared to $20,000 per year for the average treatment program. Offenders who go through a treatment program are better able to move on with their lived than those convicted of a felony and who then must try to do well on the outside with a criminal record. Also, many prisoners never kick their habit, even while incarcerated, because drugs frequently infiltrate the corrections system.As long as the average citizen supports politicians who are tough on crime, an open debate on legalization is nearly impossible. Most politicians resist even discussing legalization in view of the fact that to do so is often considered political suicide. Nevertheless, a non-judgmental attitude is what is needed or legalization will always be a taboo subject for the powers that be.Even though the debate over legalization has come to a virtual standstill, the nation’s failure to stop or significantly slow drug use and abuse seems to be getting to the point where even the most staunch politicians need to recognize the need to examine current United States drug policy. Drug legalization is a public concern that should be discussed openly and objectively....
