IS THE DRUG WAR WORKING, OR WORSE THAN THE DISEASE?

Ethan A. Nadelmann tries to justify drug legalization by comparing it
to the end of Prohibition
("(http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122843683581681375.html)Let's
End Drug Prohibition," op-ed, Dec. 5). In doing so he ignores two
fundamental differences between alcohol and drugs: Alcohol is entwined
in the fabric of our culture and most people use it
responsibly.

Drinking alcohol has been part of Western civilization since time
immemorial, and consequently it is not surprising that Prohibition did
not work (and is not a realistic option in the future). Wine is
imbedded in the culture depicted in works going back to the Odyssey
and the Torah. Marijuana, crack and heroin do not share this
distinguished pedigree.

Most people who drink alcohol don't drink it to get drunk. In
contrast, everyone who smokes marijuana or crack does so to get high.

If alcohol had been invented only yesterday, would it be a good idea
to legalize it so lots of people use it? We have enough problems with
legal alcohol; why create more problems by legalizing more
intoxicants?

JON WALKER

Tacoma, Wash.