THE CASE FOR PROP. 36

Editor -- Re your editorial opposing Proposition 36: This is not a
soft on drugs measure. It does not apply to makers and pushers of
illegal substances, or to those with any history of violence or any
serious crime. The treatment, not prison program applies only to the
nonviolent victims of the drug culture, who are currently clogging our
prison system. Only those who successfully complete the course of
treatment would have their charges dropped.

That is why virtually every responsible medical and mental-health
organization in California supports Proposition 36. Taxpayers will be
interested to learn that the state legislative analyst's office
estimates an annual net saving for the state of at least $100 million.

LES RODNEY,
Walnut Creek