To The Editor:

USA Today, along with every other newspaper in the country, headlines the
story of the deal between cigarette manufacturers and the several states
suing them for damage to the health of their citizens. If approved by
Congress and signed by the President as expected, this agreement will allow
the tobacco industry to continue operating and earning profits as they pass
the costs of the settlement on to their (addicted) customers.

If any proof were needed that for decades, America has conducted a drug
policy beyond logic, or even sanity, this deal provides it. A moment's
thought is enough to understand that the tobacco industry entered into the
deal because they want to remain legal; in other words, government has
enormous clout with a legal industry. Ask yourself if the producers and
marketers of "illicit" drugs could ever be prevailed upon to enter a room
and negotiate with the government. Ask yourself also if the vaunted war on
drugs has been successful at anything but enriching criminals, wrecking
lives, filling prisons and wasting money that could be better spent
elsewhere. Then ask yourself how long we can, in conscience continue to
support a destructive insanity with increasing billions of our tax dollars
every year.

Thomas J. O'Connell
San Mateo, CA