BUSH'S BAD CHOICE

Re: "The wrong stuff" (Daily News editorial, May 8).

Your staff has astutely noted the problems associated with drug czar
appointee John Walters.

Mr. Walters favors increased law enforcement and incarceration as a
foundation for American drug policy.

However, it is reasonable to say that no matter how many pot smokers
we imprison; no matter how many acres of South America we poison with
chemical sprays; and regardless of how many planes we shoot out of
the sky, not a single American suffering drug abuse problems is any
closer to true recovery.

It's time to end the use of U.S. armed forces, the use of militarized
police "elite" units and the use of prison cages in dealing with
America's very real problems with drug abuse.

As your editorial notes, we would be far better off with a medical or
social services professional in charge of American drug policy.

STEPHEN HEATH
Drug Policy Forum of Florida
Clearwater