LAW OVERSIMPLIFIES OUR DRUG PROBLEMS

"War on drugs needs a complete rethinking in light of its poor
results," by Robert Whitcomb (Jan. 1) was an outstanding editorial
commentary.

I have only a small correction. You write, "the overwhelming emphasis
has been on 'prevention and enforcement.' This has involved massively
expensive publicity campaigns, especially to discourage young people
from using drugs, as well as many billions spent to build new prisons
to house people who have problems with illicit drugs. There is little
indication that this investment has paid off."

Indeed. That's because we don't imprison people "who have problems
with illicit drugs," other than getting caught. The law does not
distinguish between a drug problem and a disobedience problem.

Such law, as you wisely observe, is not only ineffective in terms of
curbing abuse, but carries horrifically destructive consequences to
citizens and taxpayers -- with the exception of politicians and law
enforcement agencies.

RICHARD M. EVANS
Northampton