WAR ON DRUGS CREATES ADDITIONAL VICTIMS

Regarding George Amick's column ("A kinder, smarter drug war," July
28), the drug war is part of the problem. Illegal drug users are often
reluctant to seek medical attention in the event of an overdose for
fear of being charged with a crime. Attempting to save the life of a
friend could result in a murder charge. Overzealous drug war
enforcement results in easily preventable deaths.

Rehabilitation also is confounded. I think it's safe to say that
turnout at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be rather low if
alcoholism were a crime pursued with a zero-tolerance zeal.
Eliminating the penalties associated with illicit drug use would
encourage the type of honest discussion necessary to facilitate
rehabilitation and save lives.

Robert Sharpe

Arlington, Va.

The writer is a policy analyst for Common Sense for Drug Policy in
Washington, D.C.