LEGALIZATION OF ILLICIT DRUGS NOT THE ANSWER

Robert Sharpe is correct that the Taliban and the Northern Alliance have
used illicit drugs as a source of profit ("U.S. should follow Europe's lead
in drug-law reform," Newsday, Jan. 3). But since the use of illicit drugs
already is responsible for far more American deaths each year than
terrorism has claimed, the idea of encouraging greater drug use by moving
to make drugs more acceptable is terribly misguided.

The problem isn't that brutal regimes are selling drugs; it's that people
are buying them. If no one buys illicit drugs, terrorists can't profit from
them.

In a new world full of threats to our safety and well-being, many Americans
are asking, "What can I do to make a difference?" Encouraging our kids to
reject the use of illicit drugs as a way to dry up a source of profits for
those who would finance global terrorism is a great start.

We've already seen the success of such efforts: Regular use of cocaine has
dropped 75 percent since 1985, and overall drug use in America is down
roughly 40 percent over the same period. Perhaps not coincidentally, as
drug use has plummeted, crime rates have as well.

It's a shame that those who favor the legalization of drugs are seeking to
exploit the tragic events of Sept. 11 to advance their agenda. Let's hope
that more Americans will adopt a more responsible approach to this subject.

STEPHEN J. PASIERB

President and CEO

Partnership for a Drug-Free America

New York, N.Y.