ALTERNATIVE TO DRUG WAR

I am glad to see that Congressman Tom Campbell has taken a position on our
failed drug war (``Campbell backs measure for treatment in drug cases,''
Page 1B, June 3).

I realize that the country's drug problem is a emotional issue, right up
there with abortion and gun rights. However we are not winning the ``war on
drugs'' -- in fact, we are losing ground. Drugs are entering the country via
eighteen wheel trucks, in spite of General McCaffrey.

While Campbell doesn't offer a solution to the problem, he acknowledges that
we are not winning and proposes to deal with the side effects. At this point
in time, that is all we can hope for.

Keith De Filippis, San Jose