I want to add my voice to those who are calling for the
decriminalization of illegal drugs (see Don Erler's Sept. 9 column).

I know that people's lives have been ruined by drugs and that making
them legal may encourage others to take them who would not do so if
they remain illegal. However, illegal drugs are costing everyone a
huge sum. Billions of dollars are spent to purchase them (grossly
inflated because of their illegality), and billions are spent to stop
them.

Prisons are full of offenders whose only offense is their weakness.
Neighborhoods are blighted by drug trafficking; small businesses are
ruined by addicts who steal and rob them; families are torn apart by
addicts who cannot get the help they need to stop.

Is it worth it? Who is being served by it? Prohibition does not work.
It is time that we tried something else.

The Rev. D. Timothy Thompson, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
Fort Worth