IS THE DRUG WAR WORKING, OR WORSE THAN THE DISEASE? (1 of 4)

Outgoing Drug Czar John P. Walters claims that the U.S. "war" on drugs
is working ("(http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122843725720181453.html)Our
Drug Policy Is a Success," Dec. 5), but that's true only if one
redefines success.

Here's the reality: Illegal substances -- from marijuana to cocaine to
heroin -- are more potent and more available than at any time in
history. Deaths from illicit-drug overdoses are at an all-time high,
and most illicit substances are cheaper than ever before.

Thanks to the strict enforcement of America's drug laws, which
primarily target nonviolent drug offenders, police now arrest some 1.8
million citizens every year for drug crimes -- over 800,000 for minor
marijuana offenses alone. As a result, the U.S. has earned the unique
distinction of jailing a greater percentage of its population than any
other industrialized nation.

If this is Mr. Walters definition of "success," then I shudder to
think what he would consider to be failure.

PAUL ARMENTANO

Deputy Director

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

Washington