Having lived through Prohibition, it is clear to me that the
current "drug prohibition" has even more seriously disgraceful
consequences. Everybody's against drug addiction and dissipation,
but so what? Many are also using drugs of one kind or another.

Why do we single out those drugs that came from Third World
countries? Booze came from "developed" countries. Prohibition was
beneficial to the U.S. politicians, racketeers, etc. Drugs are
similarly profitable and beneficial to politicians and racketeers.
But now we're causing a disaster in developing nations by blaming
and severely punishing them for our own stupidity and
incompetence. Drugs are becoming more readily available and
openly used than ever.

Booze and cigarettes are produced and distributed under
controlled, sanitary conditions by highly respected, tax-paying
industries. Drugs are of variable quality and are a public
expense for prisons rather than a source of revenue.
Why do we try to kid ourselves? The politicians aren't about to
cut off their gravy train (as did repeal of Prohibition) as long
as the sanctimonious public permits it. Why not try a little
reason?

Richard S. Schmidt
Houston