DRUG POLICY: SEEING THROUGH THE CLOUD OF SMOKE

I read with interest your pieces commemorating the repeal of alcohol
prohibition and especially the letters responding (Dec. 13). One in
particular is a reply from Mr. Jon Walker against drug legalization.
Although crack and other more heavily processed hard drugs are a
direct cause of drug prohibition, plant coca and marijuana are in fact
"time immemorial," to use Mr. Walker's words. They have been a part of
societies world-wide, though maybe not his. Unless you are in complete
denial, the 1937 Congressional Record tells us America prohibited pot
without any real scientific testimony, no medical expertise and a
media campaign based on bigotry three generations ago.

Peter Christopher

Hurdle Mills, N.C.