LIVES, MONEY WASTED BY PROHIBITING USE

I must applaud the commentary of Deborah J. Good in addressing the
failure and negative ramifications of the war on drugs (Nov. 2).

Contrary to what its supporters would have us believe, our children
have a much higher chance of slipping into a life controlled by
illicit drugs because of prohibition than if drugs were
decriminalized and regulated as are alcohol and prescription drugs.

There aren't people down at the schoolyards trying to push these
legal substances off on our children.

No, they're out taking advantage of the economy afforded them by the
black-market for drugs, a government sponsored monopoly. Consider
also that this black market and its temptation of fast and easy money
has taken many youngsters who see a faster way to economic success
than through getting an education and working hard. One of the
failures of the DARE program is that it teaches kids about this
available economy.

Good asks a very important question: Is this war worth the cost, both
human and financial? The answer is quite simple. Regardless of the
costs, those who profit from the tens of billions of dollars spent
annually fighting this unwinnable war will always find the rhetoric
to sway support.

Rick Root
Westminster, CA