NEW DRUG CZAR, SAME OLD STORY

In his vigorous support of new drug czar John P. Walters and the
continuation of failed drug war policies, columnist Robert Charles bemoans
the "well-funded legalization movement" ("New drug czar's mission,"
Commentary, May 14). I find it humorous that so paltry a sum as a few
million dollars has done so much to influence public attitudes. I say
"paltry" because the opposition (the Drug Enforcement Agency, the FBI,
Customs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, etc.) has spent
untold billions in the pursuit of a drug-free America. Yet drugs are as
cheap and available as ever.

It is even more ironic that Mr. Charles encourages the new czar to "think
outside of the box," but at the same time promotes the business as usual
approach of days gone by. How's this for "outside-the-box" thinking: learn
from our own history that prohibition causes tremendous problems;
decriminalize and regulate drugs so that youngsters have less access;
dismantle all the enforcement agencies, which drain billions of tax
dollars, and use the money for treatment and education instead; and maybe
even restore the Bill of Rights, which has been shredded in our pursuit of
drug users and producers.

The only people benefiting from the drug war are those in the black market
and those drawing paychecks to stop them. We can only hope that common
sense eventually prevails.

Mike Wiley, Marshall, Texas