WAR ON DRUGS

Re "Coming to a Theater . . . ," editorial, July 12: Will our
exorbitantly expensive, counterproductive war on drugs never end? Will
there ever exist any politician possessing the ethics, conscience and
courage to proclaim it for what it is--a political soapbox?

Our noble "drug czar," Barry McCaffrey, continues to concoct
ever-more-asinine schemes. Also not acknowledged: This interminable,
unwinnable war strengthens that which it seeks to destroy. The endless
preaching and sloganeering serve to generate desire for that which is
forbidden, creating an "us against them" camaraderie, especially among
the disenfranchised. Legalization plus readily available treatment are
the humane and only options. The astronomical policing, judicial and
penal costs of our futile war have been well documented, as has the
horrific toll of lives destroyed or lost.

ILENE BRISKIN

Beverly Hills