DRUG WAR MALPRACTICE

Alan Lupo's column was right on target ("Drug war as usual is a
script for surrender," June 9). Just like alcohol prohibition gave
rise to Al Capone, drug prohibition created the violent
drug-trafficking organizations blamed for all the killing in Mexico.

U.S. politicians have proven particularly adept at confusing the drug
war's collateral damage with drugs themselves. Drug prohibition funds
organized crime at home and terrorism abroad, which is then used to
justify increased drug war spending.

Regardless of whether we like it, drugs are here to stay. Changing
human nature is not an option. Reforming harmful drug laws, however,
is an option, one that Congress should pursue.

Robert Sharpe, Policy Analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington, D.C.