CRONKITE, A VIETNAM CRITIC, ALSO SAW FOLLY IN WAR ON DRUGS

I was saddened to hear of Walter Cronkite's death at the age of 92
last week. The Seattle Times has reported and commented upon the
amazing stature that Cronkite attained as a news commentator with a
column by Alex Alben [" ... and that's the way it was," Opinion, July
21] and a blog by Ryan Blethen ["Cronkite, the passing of an era,"
seattletimes.com, The Democracy Papers, July 21].

Among other accomplishments, Cronkite was known for his coverage of
the Vietnam War. He understood the futility of that conflict, and his
voice rang loud and clear against it. In response, President Lyndon
Johnson was reported to have said, "If I've lost Cronkite, I've lost
Middle America."

However, this was not the only war Cronkite realized was not winnable.
On March 1, 2006, he wrote, "And I cannot help but wonder how many
more lives, and how much more money, will be wasted before another
Robert McNamara admits what is plain for all to see: The war on drugs
is a failure."

Cronkite was a supporter of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, an
international organization of current and former law-enforcement
officers who seek to minimize death, disease, crime and addiction by
gradually legalizing and regulating drugs.

As a member of LEAP, I am proud to share this small connection with a
great man. His wisdom, integrity and judgment will be missed.

Jim Doherty

Shoreline