Clinton Administration Official Blasts Legalization, Sells New Stategy.

Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Matters R. Grant Smith told the conference delegates, "I'm not here because this administration agrees with decriminalization or medicalization. We emphatically do not. I am here because unlike previous administrations, the Clinton administration believies in open discussion and debate on social issues." That said, Mr. Smith laid it on heavy. For almost five long minutes Mr. Smith regurgitated vintage 1980s arguments against the very idea of legalization. We'll spare you most of the Rangelesque rhetoric.

"Let me be frank," Mr. Smith said, "We do not believe that legalizing drugs will move forward our common objectives. Even some supporters of legalization agree that drug use would rise if drugs were cheaper and more readily available... This administration's stand against legalization... supports our international treaty obligations and the position of United Nations International Narcotics Control Board." Mr.Smith seemed unusually sensitive tothe fact that his audience largely disagreed with his view. "Acting from sincere motives," he said," many of you have concluded that legalization or medicalization of drugs is the best solution...[But] the administration is unequivocally opposed to any 'reform' that is certain to bring increased drug use...' Mr. Smith continued, "A public health or harm reduction approach that makes drug treatment widely available will not by iteself get people off drugs. Many drug users do not seek treatment until the criminal justice system forces them do it. The solution is not [

to choose between] either treatment or law enforcement; we need treatment and law enforcement." It's unfortunate that Mr.Smith was unable to attend the majority of the conference, or he might have learned that the trend in many cities is neither to force such a choice nor to swallow the entire drug war program whole. The policies that formed the basis for much conference discussion involve carefully planned use of the tools he mentioned, as well as some innovations.

The difference is that many of the delegates were seeking better strategies while giving prohibition a "no confidence'' vote. Mr. Smith and the administration still hope that a quick tune-up will make their Model T prohibition run like a dream.