CHANGE THE CONTEST'S NAME IF WAR WEARINESS SETS IN

Following closely on the heels of the end of the "war on terror," is
the end of the "war on drugs" ("White House Czar Calls for End to
'War on Drugs,' " U.S. News, May 14).

Who would have thought that all of America's wars would end not with
a bang but with a delete click on a keyboard? Apparently, "war on
drugs" was too bellicose and was interpreted by people "as a war on
them." One presumes that "people" in this context refers mostly to
drug users, although drug czar Gil Kerlikowske doesn't really make
that distinction.

In his defense, he's fresh out of Seattle, so he may not realize that
there is a distinction. Seattle's needle-exchange program and, with
any luck, the Hempfest celebration of hemp and marijuana will be
models for national policy. The latter can be held on the National
Mall going forward so that everyone in Congress and the Obama
administration can attend; maybe that'll slow down legislation and
stimulus spending for a day or two. Our lexicographer leaders fully
grasp the power of words, which is why they are "spreading the
wealth" instead of waging another "war on poverty." War is hell; at
least many Americans will be too stoned to notice if our enemies
respectfully disagree with that notion.

William Brandt

Norwalk, Conn.