Editor, The Sun:

I just finished reading Tibor Machan's column on the "war on drugs"
in the The Yuma Daily Sun. As a member of a California law
enforcement agency, I have been involved in this so-called 'war on
drugs.' My own opinion is that it has failed and that we must take a
different approach. I do believe that President George W. Bush has a
fairly good idea to help with the problem by helping the abusers get
treatment. Interdiction alone cannot stop the problem but in
conjunction with treatment, may just do the job.

I do respect his opinion but I believe that he is mistaken in
thinking that drug abuse only hurts the abuser. During Prohibition,
the illicit sale of alcoholic beverages created an underworld empire
for the likes of Alfonse Capone that is now rivaled by the Arellano
Felix Carte. Prohibition created an explosion in crime and homicide
that was ultimately reduced only by the repeal of Prohibition. Yes,
there are parallels between alcohol and drug abuse, but I have seen
what the abuse of drugs does to children born to drug-using mothers.

These mothers would rather score a hit of "Krystal" or "Rock" than
feed themselves or their children. The children born to these abusers
suffer from low birth weight, are usually premature and suffer
learning disabilities later on in life. I have seen this for myself!

I do not exaggerate when I say that this is the least of the poor
child's worries. The child is raised in an environment that does not
promote good health or welfare. These children are abused daily -
sexually, physically and emotionally! Imagine a 4-year-old child
being cared for by an 8-year-old sibling for two or three days
because the mother or father would rather be scoring on the streets.
Does this appeal to your paternal instincts? I assure you these
abusers have none.

It is very rare to see an abuser clean up. The percentage is small.
Most of them die. Some take their children with them. I have executed
search warrants where whatever crumbs are left over, the poor child
has to battle rats and cockroaches for. The filth is overwhelming!
You enter and the odor of ammonia almost knocks you over.

Yes, Mr. Machan, let's legalize drugs because the government has no
business telling us what to do! Then if this is the case, why should
the government respond to your or anyone else's call for help? If the
government is not our keeper then why depend on it? Why did the
students and parents of Colombine depend on the government to
respond? Why do I and every other law enforcement officer and soldier
risk our lives to do our jobs? For the protection of the people!
Adults and children! Let's help - but do not legalize drugs.

SID TURNER

Yuma