H. Res. 412 Honoring Men And Women Of The Drug Enforcement Administration — Part 3
3 March 2004
2004 Ron Paul 12:1
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
2004 Ron Paul 12:2
Mr. Speaker, let me just close with a comment about the prison system and
what has happened. As I mentioned before,
84 percent of Federal prisoners are
nonviolent drug offenders. Many go
into prison, and they come out hardened
criminals, and the problem is
made much worse. Because of overcrowding,
we have the release of violent
prisoners because the prisons are
too full. Also, the rules on mandatory
sentencing of non-violent offenders
have not been a good idea and have
contributed to the problems that we
face.
2004 Ron Paul 12:3
Another thing which I have not mentioned before but is worth thinking
about is the inequity in the enforcement
of laws. If one happens to be a
wealthy, white-collar worker caught
using cocaine, the odds of that individual
serving time in prison is very reduced,
compared to if you are caught in
the inner city. It seems there is less
justice for the inner city youth. This,
of course, intensifies the problems of
the inner city.
2004 Ron Paul 12:4
Once again, all I ask is that in the future we look at our drug policy because
current policy is working so poorly,
and also to reconsider the fact that we
have gone 30 years with a program
where there is no evidence of success,
and astoundingly it was all done under
an executive order.