MISSIONARY'S DEATH

Re "U.S. Role in Peru Plane Downing Adds to Mystery," April 22: It doesn't
matter so much that this reactionary nation of ours has spent billions of
dollars in a futile fight against drugs. We can afford it, and anyone who
wants illegal drugs can easily buy them. But when our armed forces
aggressively pursue and cause the murder of innocent people whose planes
happen to be in the wrong place, it's time to put a stop to the whole charade.

The "drug war" is an expensive and deceptive joke. Legalization, treatment
and education are the only means by which drug abuse can be addressed
successfully.

David M. Perry

Los Angeles