HOW FAR DOES LEGALIZATION GO?

Efforts to decriminalize the drug trade in Colombia, the largest source of
cocaine in the hemisphere, is not in the best interests of the U.S.
("Second thoughts: Colombians consider decriminalizing drug trade," Times,
Sept. 10).

We blame that country for growing and shipping the drug to us and they
blame us for the appetite for it. But if the drive to legalize in Colombia
succeeds, it can only encourage and embolden those who would legalize drugs
here. Many times we have heard, "The war on drugs is not winnable, drugs
should be made legal."

Does that logic carry over to other illegal activities? Efforts to
eradicate murder are not winnable, do we legalize it? Theft cannot be
stopped, do we make it legal? Rape is prevalent but does anyone want to
decriminalize it?

Legalizing drugs might reduce some crime but those who have no money will
resort to crime to pay for their drugs.

What about our children? Are we going to legalize drugs for them? How can
we convince them it is unhealthy when they see adults openly consuming
drugs that have been made legal?

There isn't a country anywhere that has allowed the widespread and
unchecked use of drugs and prospered.

Russell Brown, Everett