Regarding Molly Ivins' recent column "Time to sound retreat" (in the
drug war): As she stated, the world is gathering behind the simple
proposition that the global war on drugs is causing more harm than
drug abuse itself.

Minnesota Gov.-elect Jesse Ventura said it well during his recent
campaign: "If you're going to fight the war on drugs, you have to
fight it on the demand side. I don't believe the government should be
invading the privacy of our homes, and I also believe that we
shouldn't be legislating against stupidity." After all the billions
spent, lives ruined and the millions jailed, we are still far from the
goal of a "drug-free America." Let's stop this war on American
citizens and families by decriminalizing possession and use of
hallucinogenic drugs.

Albert R. Dilley,
Palm Beach Gardens