LEGALIZING DRUGS WON'T SOLVE PROBLEM

Reading John Lankford's recent column "Throwing money at the war on drugs,"
I became almost persuaded that legalizing drugs is a viable solution to the
problem. Certainly the inability of ongoing efforts to slow the flow of
illegal drugs is a source of frustration to many of us and a source of
heartbreak to some.

But wait! Isn't there a flaw in the logic that says people take drugs
because doing so is illegal and therefore if we make it legal they won't?

Are the reasons for using drugs that simplistic? Experts seem to agree that
the reasons for drug use and addiction are complex and not fully
understood - but much more than just the desire to violate the laws.

Education programs in schools and the media warn of the hazards of drug use.
And there is evidence that these programs are starting to bear results -
slowly but surely. Legalizing drugs could weaken the message that these
programs are trying to get across.

And what about other consequences of legalization? A vast bureaucracy would
be required for the regulation and taxation of drugs, and it would probably
be revenue negative. Sale to minors would - I would hope - still be illegal,
and thus crime would still be with us.

Respectable companies would engage in the production and distribution of
drugs, and their bottom lines would be dependent on maximizing use - by
underage as well as legal users.

It's not a pretty picture. Perhaps that is why our legislators are not
moving very fast in the direction of legalization.

I will agree with Lankford on one point, however. Trying to cut off drugs at
the source isn't working. Stopping use is the only thing that will.
Education and interdiction at the street level are required.

Merle Blasjo lives in Santa Barbara.

Checked-by: Don Beck