Ehrlich on Washington column, September 1, 1996

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 REPORT FROM WASHINGTON By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Week of September 1, 1996 AMERICA’S WAR ON DRUGS: FROM “JUST SAY NO” TO “JUST SAY NOTHING” There’s more bad news about the war on drugs. Last week it was announced that drug use among American teenagers has doubled since 1992. According to the annual results of the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, drug use surged by 33 percent between 1994 and 1995, and has increased 105 percent since 1992. Since these chilling statistics were released, the White House has been actively engaged in spin control. Its strategy has been to accuse Congress of "politicizing" the issue. I agree that the worsening drug problem should not be politicized. However, it is President Clinton who made drugs a political issue by reversing drug control policies that were working. Not too long ago, we were beginning to make progress in the war on drugs. During the 1980's and early 1990's, the United States experienced a dramatic reduction in casual drug use because of increased penalties, strong presidential leadership, and a clear national anti-drug message. Overall, casual drug use was cut in half between 1977 and 1992. Upon taking office, President Clinton inexplicably took the following actions to dismantle anti-drug policies and strategies: ♦ In February 1993, the President eliminated 83 percent of the staff at the Office of