HARMFUL BEHAVIOR MAKES LAWS NECESSARY

According to a Feb. 7 letter, the violence associated with alcohol and
drugs is caused by prohibiting them ("Don't blame drugs for society's ills").

No. Prohibition did not work as it was intended to, but that doesn't mean
it wasn't a good idea. When too many people are intent on breaking a law,
modification, not abandonment, is necessary.

Laws are necessary when people do not control their harmful behavior. Laws
are needed to protect the young and give guidance to society. Lack of a law
implies that "it must be OK; there's no law against it."

In the case of alcohol and drugs, what would that lead to? It would bring
widespread addiction, health problems and wasted lives. Self-gratification,
lack of self-discipline and human weakness are at the root of alcohol and
drug violence. Ignorance is no longer an excuse.

If more adults would start acting like adults and set good examples for the
younger generation, many problems involving drugs, alcohol, tobacco and
immorality could be solved.

For instance, it is quite likely that some of the 13- and 14-year-olds who
have parties involving alcohol and marijuana have been exposed to similar
gatherings hosted by older people.

Kids copy adult behavior. What kind of undesirable behavior are they
exposed to via TV, movies, the Internet, advertising and their own or
friends' families?

Think about it, please.

Jeannine M. Prager, Waukesha