PROVIDE TREATMENT FOR DRUG USERS

You printed the press-released comments of Orange County Sheriff Kevin
Beary, Florida drug czar James McDonough and Rep. Ric Keller as if they
were news. They oppose a citizens' initiative that would mandate treatment
for non-violent first- and second-time drug offenders. If these drug users
went into state-approved drug-treatment programs for up to 18 months, they
couldn't be prosecuted. There are other detailed safeguards spelled out in
the amendment to protect the public.

Beary, McDonough and Keller want to continue the "war on drugs," which is
really a war against the people. They cling to the belief that Prohibition
works. They say that if the criminal courts just lock up enough drug users,
people seeking chemical relief and mentally disturbed people, we will "win
the war." And, by the way, their jobs -- and budgets -- depend on fighting
this "war."

The truth is that Prohibition after World War I was a failure. The war on
drugs is its modern equivalent. We have spent billions of dollars over the
past 35 years placing more of our citizens behind bars than any other
civilized society in the world. This is exactly the time in history when we
should use our experience to promote effective treatment and rehabilitation
for those in need.

Joseph W. DuRocher

ORLANDO