FINDS ANOTHER FAILURE IN U.S. 'DRUG-FREE' POLICIES

To the Oak Ridger:

Major kudos for your outstanding editorial, "A deserved setback for
zero-tolerance." (8-24-01). Zero- tolerance is an idea that looks great on
paper, but in the real world is counterproductive. It does the exact
opposite of what it is supposed to do.

Another idea that just doesn't work is our drug-free America policies. We
ignore the two most dangerous drugs, tobacco and alcohol and concentrate on
drugs like marijuana that has never killed anyone in the 5,000-year history
of its use.

By prohibiting marijuana we assure that it is sold by the same people that
also sell dangerous drugs like heroin and crack cocaine. Thus the policy of
prohibition creates the gateway effect.

Kirk Muse, Vancouver, WA