END THE WAR ON DRUGS

Unfortunately for the residents of Hartford (CT) and the rest of the
Western Hemisphere, the violence associated with the drug trade is a
direct result of the US government's prohibitionist drug policy, which
apparently isn't going to change anytime soon ("Hartford neighborhood
takes on drug trade," Page A1, July 11).

During alcohol prohibition, organized crime and the associated violence
flourished. The repeal of prohibition produced a dramatic drop in
violent crime. When is the last time you saw two alcohol distributors
having a turf war in the street? If the residents of Hartford are really
interested in taking on the drug trade and protecting their children,
they would vote prohibitionist politicians out of office and end the war
on drugs.

Edward Pocengal, New Haven, CT