DRUG WAR ECO-DANGER

Re "Creeks fouled by pot farmers," Feb. 22: The headline should have read
"Drug prohibition causing environmental disaster." Were these substances
legal for adult use, their production would be in safe, regulated
premises.This is a rerun of last century's alcohol prohibition, replete
with the same problems: The Sacramento Valley's sloughs were full of toxic
sludge from the ubiquitous stills and the skies were full of drunk
waterfowl. With regularity, homes in residential neighborhoods went up in
flames from exploding stills. The corruption of law enforcement was near
total while the government spewed false propaganda. The drive-by shooting
was invented. Consumers were fed adulterated products with often lethal
results and the dealers of the day, like the dealers of today, never
thought much of carding their clientele. The example that California has
demonstrated with regard to tobacco is quite relevant. Major reductions in
tobacco use have been effected without anybody being shackled or caged.

Wise up, America. Legalize, regulate, educate and, one must add, tax.

- - Jay Bergstrom, Forest Ranch