ON LEGALIZING DRUGS: THE TRUE COSTS OF DRUGS

Re: "Drug legalization is starting to look good in El Paso -- City's
controversy prompts a vital discussion across the U.S., says Clarence
Page, Thursday Viewpoints.

Far from being a hard-bitten reporter, Page seems as naive as a
school freshman when he talks about the benefits of legalizing drugs.
He seems to be under the impression that drug use is a trivial thing
and that drug crimes are victimless. On the contrary, illegal drugs
cause illness, debilitation and even death. Drug users leave numerous
victims in their wake, especially their families.

The ghastly drug wars and the proliferation of drug cartels in Mexico
and along the border obviously can be sharply curbed. Stopping drugs
from coming through the border can be done at a much smaller cost
than, say, the war in Iraq or the current economic bailout of
mismanaged business firms. No money for cartels; no need for their
wars. Fewer sick or dead kids. A strong border for us.

Mary Sheldon McCain

Dallas