Gregory Kane misplaces the cause of our drug woes.

The baby boomers' behavior was in part a rational response to a
changing environment.

Increased drug use resulted from a combination of prosperity, more
free communication, a search for self-improvement and self-knowledge
and a felt need to rebel against an establishment that was using young
people as cannon fodder in the Vietnam war.

This increased drug use inspired a counter-revolution led by President
Nixon starting in the early 1970s. Funding for the "war on drugs" has
increased almost every year since.

Today, our prohibition policies are the primary cause of our drug
woes. Prohibition has generated a vigorous black market, which makes
marijuana more accessible to youth than alcohol.

And if the dealer is out of marijuana, he or she can suggest heroin or
cocaine.

Most baby boomers currently play only a bit part in this unfolding
tragedy and are more interested in their projected retirement benefits
than in dabbling in drugs.

Nevertheless, some baby boomers now find it politically expedient to
enthusiastically advocate more severe punishments for possession of
drugs.

These particular boomers should not escape blame for fanning the
flames of the drug war

Kevin Fansler, Havre de Grace