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Mitt Romney on DrugsFormer Republican Governor (MA); presidential nominee-apparent |
A: I'd tell him that this is a problem that we share, that this is not Mexico's problem. We have a responsibility in this country to reduce drug usage. The fact that there is a drug world, narco-crime and terrorism, and that these cartels are terrorizing the people of Mexico, and some of that violence spills over our border. That's due to the demand here in this country. And so the US must make a priority of helping reduce demand in this country, and communicating to our young people, and older people, that when they use these illegal drugs, they are contributing to the deaths of people around the world. So I'm going to make that a priority. That's #1. And #2, I'm going to let him know that we want to help, as we did in Colombia with intelligence work and surveillance work.
Romney proposed "Melanie's Bill" to crack down on drunk drivers. The bill called for higher penalties and mandatory sentences for repeat offenders. It increased license suspensions for people who knowingly allowed someone to use an automobile if he or she had a suspended license from drunk driving. It required that cars from arrested drivers be impounded. Also, vehicles of repeat offenders had to be equipped with ignition interlock systems, which wouldn't allow cars to start unless the driver passed a Breathalyzer test.
Within a year of the new law, repeat offender arrests had been cut in half. The number of arrested drivers with prior drunken-driving convictions dropped 17%.
A safe and prosperous Western Hemisphere requires a strong and democratic Colombia. The US must continue to provide strong support for Colombia's efforts to combat the ruthless narco-terrorists that operate there. Our partnership with Colombia contributes to our security and our quality of life: sowing stability in a critical region and helping keep deadly drugs off our streets. We can and must consolidate the gains we have made in Colombia by strengthening the economic ties between our countries. The U.S. Congress must treat this vital ally with the respect Colombia deserves and move forward now with the free trade agreement.