LEGALIZATION IS WRONG SOLUTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE'S DRUG USE

In his Jan. 3 letter, Robert Sharpe offers a "sensible alternative" to
reforming drug policy by regulating the distribution of marijuana, thereby
improving the protection of our children from drug abuse.

Marijuana as well as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other dangerous
drugs are regulated. They are illegal and with just cause.

The demand for illicit drugs, especially by our youth, with the attendant
violent crime and life devastation is an enormous challenge to our country.
Without such a demand, the supply of drugs becomes inconsequential.

Protecting our children from illicit drugs is crucial and responsibility
falls primarily with the families and to lesser degrees to educators, the
clergy, government officials, the media and the entertainment industry.

Sharpe's letter is a lightly veiled attempt to promote drug legalization.
In contrast, studies show that children who are regularly involved in
family, school and church activities are far less likely to use illicit
drugs, thus reducing the overall demand.

The challenge is constant and as parents, teachers, clergy and public
officials, we must expand on a prior theme: Don't "just say no" - do something.

Involvement with organizations such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education, the
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and Partnership for a
Drug-Free America will help engage our youth in the challenge of substance
abuse.

Joseph J. Corcoran, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Agency, St. Louis

Bill Boll's Jan. 6 counterpoint favored legalizing commonly used drugs.
This opinion, while obviously heartfelt, is unfortunately based on
misconception and naivete.

Comparisons to the rise of organized crime during Prohibition fail to
mention that the prohibited drugs are already illegal, so no further rise
in organized crime should be expected.

Also, a quick look will show that the alcohol industry became much larger
and alcohol use much more widespread after manufacture of alcohol was
legalized again.

Most Americans will not willingly break drug laws. Making drugs legitimate
would greatly widen their use. Any tourist who has wandered off the main
streets in Amsterdam or Jamaica, where drugs are legal and available, would
back me up on this. Many bleary eyed drug addicts need to snatch purses or
gold chains to support their legal habit.

Legalization of gambling boats certainly has made millions of Americans
into gamblers, and some of them have been led into financial ruin by the habit.

The only point that Boll makes that I cannot disagree with is that
legalization would make it harder to confiscate his car because of a
dependant's drug arrest.

However, merely removing laws that kids might impetuously break is no way
to solve the problem of youthful violations of those laws. We must all
teach our kids the consequences of bad behavior. There must be real, legal
consequences for us to teach them.

William Kincaid, Collinsville