DRUG WAR ONE BIG REASON FOR BUDGET DEFICIT

The Feb. 29 Times front-page headlined California's deficit
aggravated by prison costs.

Only foolish hypocrites can now dangerously ignore the savings
resulting from ending the costly drug war.

Since many drug warriors consume alcohol or tobacco themselves, we
know sobriety and addiction aren't reasons for continuing the drug war.

Since black market drug trafficking keeps gangsters and terrorists
well financed, we know public safety and security aren't reasons for
continuing the drug war.

Word-of-mouth advertising is the best way to promote merchandise and
the drug warriors' own propaganda says their black market uses this
method to promote drugs to America's school children; therefore, we
know drug prevention isn't a reason for continuing the failed drug war.

The drug war's black market incentives increase crime, violence, drug
usage, gang affiliation, police corruption and unnecessary prison costs.

Politicians, weakened by cronyism, federal funding and pressure from
law enforcement unions, fail to act courageously because their
narcissistic careers are advanced when transforming the land of the
free and the home of the brave into a land of the imprisoned and a
home of the submissive by running campaigns based on fear, bigotry and lies.

Fiscally responsible Americans limit government, not liberty.

Glenn White

Dublin