DRUG WAR AT WHAT COST

Revelations about mass graves in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, is a terrible
reminder of how far some people are willing to go to maintain control
over an incredibly profitable black market. ("A look inside a giant
drug cartel," Dec. 8).

The increased willingness of gangsters to use murder as a business
tool was an unintended consequence of alcohol prohibition, just like
the violence of today's illegal drug market is an unintended
consequence of the drug war. In coming days, many politicians and
commentators will be calling for a tough response to the grisly scene
being uncovered in Ciudad Juarez. I hope citizens won't be fooled by a
such a call for more of the same. The only way to stop such violence
is to stop the drug war.

Stephen Young
Roselle, Ill.