NANNY STATE OVERREACHES IN DRUG WAR

I'm writing about Robert Sharpe's thoughtful letter: "Drug war fuels
crime" (Oct. 9). Beyond the fact that our so-called war on drugs is
counterproductive and a complete waste of money, what about the right
of adult citizens to be left alone - especially in the privacy of our
own homes? We don't punish those who attempt suicide and survive. So
why do we punish those who consume the wrong (politically selected)
recreational drugs? I don't want my government attempting to protect
me from myself. I want my government to protect me from those who want
to harm me against my will. Today, our nanny-state government tells us
which recreational drugs we may or may not consume. Note that tobacco
is OK, but marijuana is not. Tomorrow, our nanny-state government will
tell us which foods we may or may not eat. For our own good and
protection, of course.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.