Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 23:04:32 -0800
From: [b--rd--n] at [netcom.com] (David Borden)
To: [j--r--y] at [acusd.edu]
Subject: ACTOR CARROLL O'CONNOR SUGGESTS LEGALIZATION


ACTOR CARROLL O'CONNOR SUGGESTS LEGALIZATION
IN WAKE OF SON'S DRUG-RELATED SUICIDE

Bulletin from the Drug Policy Foundation:
 
In a news conference today, Weds. March 29, actor Carroll O'Connor, TV's 
"Archie Bunker," suggested that drugs should be legalized. What made the 
statement unique was that it came after O'Connor learned that his son, 
Hugh, 33, had committed suicide yesterday, reportedly in frustration 
with his own inability to shake a cocaine habit.
 
More details will emerge later, but the TV news last night had O'Connor 
stating that Hugh was unwilling to go into drug treatment for the third 
or fourth 6- to 12-month stay over a 16-year history of drug abuse. 
Instead, he chose suicide, and called his father before shooting himself.
 
At the news conference, according to the United Press International wire,
O'Connor said that something has to be done to "get rid of this menace." 
Then he added, "I'll say this: I'm not sure we shouldn't legalize it."
 
A reporter that called DPF and who saw the news conference said O'Connor 
pointed to the fact that legalization would not bring his son back, but 
it could reduce crime. It will be significant in the future to hear 
about Hugh O'Connor's initiation in drug use and any run-ins with the 
criminal justice system, as a way of understanding his father's 
comments. DPF is trying to reach him through a publicist.
 
-- Dave Fratello/Rob Stewart
   Drug Policy Foundation

   Foundation for Drug Policy Awareness / Drug Reform Coordination Network 
                 P.O. Box 381813, Cambridge, MA 02238-1813
      (617) 648-2655 / (617) 646-2713 (fax) / email: [d r cnet] at [netcom.com]

============================================================================ 
     Peace       Justice       Freedom       Compassion       Truth
============================================================================

                            \\\\\\\\\\ //////////
                               END THE DRUG WAR
                            ////////// \\\\\\\\\\