CONGRATULATIONS to Bill Kaufmann on a fine piece of journalism. His May 11
column "War on drugs disastrous failure," deserves applause for exploring
the myths of the war on (some) drugs as well as the unholy inertia opposing
change.

Lachlan Window

(Clearly the current war on drugs isn't working.)

TWO OSTENSIBLY unrelated items in the Sun on May 11 got me thinking. One
was Charlton Heston here in Calgary "putting in a plug" for the NRA. The
other was Bill Kaufmann's excellent column about the failed war on drugs.
The U.S. is a unique place where anyone, including children, can get hold
of enough guns to kill a dozen people at once. It is also one of the few
places where someone can get a life sentence for growing marijuana. Equal
opportunity!

Kaufmann wonders why the U.S. is happy to have its own children die of
overdose and drug-related violence. One word, Bill: Corruption. There is no
way the huge amount of drugs and dollars could flow without police, judges
and politicians being paid off. By busting poor saps who aren't
well-connected, the war on drugs will continue. Heston should clean up his
own country before telling Canada what to do. And Bill, stay away from the
marijuana. It can lead to worse things -- like drinking.

Paul Hindson

(We'll raise our glass to that.)