USERS SUBSIDIZE CRIMES

Much of the propaganda in favor of Prop. 36 revolves around the concept of
the "nonviolent" drug offender. In reality, however, there is no such
person. It must not be forgotten that drug users are drug purchasers, and
drug purchasers are accessories to enormous amounts of violence. Their
money goes to subsidize a wide array of crimes here and abroad--from local
home-invasion robberies to the assassination of Mexican prosecutors. This
flow of drug money creates a staggering number of innocent victims as well
as widows and orphans.

Even though American drug users usually don't pull the triggers in these
crimes, they are paying for them and they have to accept partial
responsibility for them.

This is not to detract from the need and desirability of treatment
programs. On the other hand, to remove punishment from those whose actions
cause so much harm, even indirectly, is a grave disservice to them as well
as to all law-abiding citizens.

Martin G. Rosenblatt MD
Los Angeles