DECRIMINALIZE DRUG USE

The drug war has reached an all-time low. The articles "Destitute Afghans
sell kids" and "Taliban shuts down most Afghan poppy production"
(Register-Guard, Feb. 16) speak of careful optimism in the elimination of a
natural substance.

If the poppy plant were an endangered species, we would enact laws to
protect it from elimination not for any use it may serve. It is unsettling
that the United Nations, backed by the United States and other nations,
would tolerate the sale of children into bondage rather than allow people
the choice of how to conduct their lives or make a living.

I am not advocating drug use, just its decriminalization. Marijuana, heroin
or sniffing paint are no different than alcohol or tobacco. They impair,
damage and often have the same effect on innocents when encountered. We
should be held accountable for our actions, and personal responsibility
should govern us, not the guidelines of government for personal decisions.

The war on drugs is our new Vietnam. There is no end game objective, and
the resulting fallout is tragic. Regulations and taxes would reduce decent
people from doing indecent things such as selling children or committing
murders. Strictly enforce the laws that protect children from drug pushers,
and all of us from those impaired.

The decriminalization of all drugs, along with the continuation and
improvement of education and treatment would better serve the public,
addicts and the economy.

Robert Jordan

Eugene