IS ALCOHOL DANGEROUS?

To the Editor:

Michael St. Hippolyte (letter, June 9) argues that alcohol is as
dangerous as the illegal drugs that are the focus of the Government's
anti-drug campaign.

He ardently opposes keeping alcohol out of this campaign because it
sends the message, "that alcohol is not as dangerous as other drugs."

As the owner of a small brewery, I have to ask: What's wrong with this
message? It's true. Every day millions of Americans enjoy alcohol
responsibly. Although a minority of users abuse alcohol, the great
majority enjoy the benefits of moderate use.

Mr. St. Hippolyte says that "the evidence clearly shows" the truth of
his assertion. Does he really have evidence proving that drinking a
beer or a glass of wine is just as dangerous as shooting up heroin or
smoking crack?

TOM SCHLAFLY
St. Louis