The author quotes several official data on the consequences that the United States' repressive politics against drug addicts have on the prison system, and affirms: "They badly underestimated the real cost their war will impose on the states......"

Furthermore :"...well it might be asked who really threatens effective criminal justice in America -unnamed intellectuals who question the efficacy of imprisoning so many drug offenders, or a so-called drug czar whose short-sighted war will further overcrowd and overwhelm state prisons?"

Tom Wicker frequently contributes a column to the Op-ed page of the The New York Times. A 64 years old, liberal, from the Kennedy entourage.

The New York Times is publishing an inquiry entitled "Drugs and Laws" by Stephen Labatone. The second part appeared today on the front page.

This document will be available in Agorà as soon as possible.

Emma