LESSONS FROM DRUG WARS

Regarding the report ''U.S. Election Called Key Factor in Colombian
Aid'' (Sept. 2): Brian Knowlton wrote: ''In Colombia, various factions
are profiting from the status quo, with no real desire to seize
control of the nation.'' Much the same may be said of the United
States. The drug war hog trough supports many thousands through direct
government employment or spin-offs such as testing, treatment or
so-called drug education. Then there are the dealers, whose profits
are assured by prohibition. The Colombia aid package is a reflection
of the declining defense industry's effort to replace the loss of
income caused by the end of the Cold War.

GERALD M. SUTLIFF.