INEFFECTIVE SOLUTION

I read with interest Neal Peirce's Aug. 14 column "Waiting for answer on
juvenile justice." Peirce makes several valid points against this country's
unsuccessful drug policies.

With more nonviolent drug offenders incarcerated than ever before,
including more of our youths, one would think that the problem of harmful
drug use would be nearly solved. The facts show that just the opposite is true.

Drugs are more widely available, cheaper and more potent than ever. Our
present policies are not working. When the solution causes more harm than
the problem, it's time to find other solutions.

A few brave people, such as New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, are calling for a
paradigm shift in dealing with illegal drug issues. More people are
realizing the harm the present policies are causing in terms of wasted
finances, wasted human potential and lost civil liberties.

PATRICIA TAYLOR

Austin