Gen. Barry McCaffrey suggests we stop calling the current drug policy a "
war. " Good idea! Unfortunately, whatever we call it, the war on drugs is
causing many casualties. During alcohol prohibition, alcohol was still
available despite the law, to adults and children. The mob got involved
because of the high profits.

Now gangs, overcrowded jails and rampant substance abuse by teens are being
caused by that very war. We are putting our children in the middle of this
war. Drugs are easier to get than alcohol for most children. The government
regulates who can purchase alcohol, not so with illegal drugs.

There comes a time in a debate, when one side realizes that they may not be
right. I wonder how many of the government's drug warriors see the damage
they are inflicting on our society but choose to continue. When you seek
the truth, you'll see many studies that have been suppressed by our
government. You'll read articles by reputable people in favor of
drug-policy reform.

If we really want to help drug users, jail is not the place. Truly, what
can you expect for someone sent to jail? We should pardon all drug
prisoners and send them to a college or trade school of their choice at a
savings to the taxpayers compared to the cost of incarceration. Which do
you think would be better?

Allison Bigelow,
Burlington