DRUG WAR NO FAILURE

A 30-state survey in the May issue of the American Journal of Public Health
(which was reported in The Republic on May 1) found that when states
implemented laws that "discourage(d) risky drinking" of alcohol by teens,
driving under the influence dropped by 20 percent.

The article also stated that this survey was "consistent with other
studies." The law, it seems, serves as a deterrent against illicit use of
alcohol. So it is with the use of illicit drugs.

I am tired of hearing the oft-repeated lie that the war against drugs has
failed. It has not failed. Drug laws are a deterrent for many against
abuse. Lots of people obey the law for the law's sake, or in fear of the
penalties.

I don't want a world that has more people under the influence of who knows
what.

Stan Jefferson
Avondale