TREATING DRUG ABUSE

Re "Treat, don't jail, illegal drug users?" May 31: I read with great
excitement that our November ballot may include an initiative that would
mandate a treatment program, rather than jail, for anyone arrested for
simple drug possession. It is not surprising that the union representing
prison guards opposes the initiative.

In the last 20 years of teaching G.E.D. preparation, I have met many adults
who had previously been incarcerated because of drug use. Prison's badge of
shame did not change their drug habits. On the contrary, they credit
programs such as Narcotics Anonymous for ending the terrible leghold of
drug abuse.

Self-abusing alcohol and tobacco doesn't land good people in prison. Why
should using other drugs account for 20,000 of California's sons and
daughters who have no history of serious or violent crime being
incarcerated? Instead, let's spend our taxpayer money on mandatory drug
treatment.

Gayle Denney, Nevada City

Re "Treatment measure blasted," June 3: Of course our drug czar would blast
the measure. He is faithfully executing orders to represent the
establishment voice here, the status quo of our treasonous war on cannabis
consumers. Any threat to a prison-industrial complex, which flourishes like
a slime mold, must be opposed -- Constitution be damned.

After our rights are restored, the general and his ilk will stand in the
dock for their heinous drug war crimes. There will be retribution, there
will be reparations paid to victims. My rights to grow what I want in my
garden, smoke what I want in my pipe are mine alone, not that of the police
state that has squelched our liberty. Perhaps codification of this notion
as an amendment to the Constitution would forestall the coming revolts.
Perhaps not.

Jay Bergstrom, Sacramento