CHANGE THE CONTEST'S NAME IF WAR WEARINESS SETS IN

Mr. Kerlikowske should go further and propose that marijuana be
treated like alcohol and tobacco, which the government regulates,
strictly controls and taxes. Advertising should be prohibited, and a
significant percentage of tax revenues should be used to fund
drug-treatment programs for those who seek help for substance-abuse
conditions, including alcoholism. As a taxpayer, it sickens me to
think of the waste of my tax payments and the damage to liberty and
lives which result from arresting and imprisoning nonviolent drug offenders.

It is not surprising that supporters of the status quo include the
prison lobby and some elements of law enforcement. It is only they and
narco-criminals who profit from prohibition.

Steve Persky

Los Angeles