I have studied the biochemistry of the drug known as Ecstasy, and I
strongly suspect that chronic use results in a form of brain damage
("Feds try to keep tabs on Ecstasy," May 14).

However, it is not nearly so scary as the brain damage apparently
sustained by those pushing militant prohibition of recreational drugs.

As voters, taxpayers and jurists, we must focus on policies that
reduce the harm associated with these substances.

In the early 20th century, we experimented with a unilateral alcohol
ban. The subsequent alcoholism, corruption and violence will prevent
us from ever trying that particular experiment again.

It frustrates me to see our politicians ignore those causal
relationships when creating policies for other drugs, many of them far
less harmful.

Danny Terwey
Santa Cruz, Calif.