READERS GREATLY IN FAVOR OF EASING DRUG-USE LAWS

Seventy-three percent of readers who responded to last week's online
poll agreed with our editorial position that Mexico is doing the right
thing by decriminalizing small quantities of drugs meant for personal
use. Further, 52 percent of readers said the United States' war on
drugs isn't working and should end. Only 10 percent of readers said
U.S. drug policies are working or should only be modified slightly. On
the question of whether Mexico's new law would increase "drug tourism"
by Americans into Mexico, 56 percent of respondents in the
unscientific poll said it would.

We also asked readers, "What do you believe the United States should
do to decrease drug use or decrease the dangers associated with the
illegal-drug trade?" Here is what some of them had to say: Follow
Mexico's lead. If you decriminalize drugs you will remove most crimes
associated with drugs.

. Keep penalties stiff and automatic for abusers. Legalize drugs and
tax them -- and do it before the rot of corruption undermines all of
our institutions.

. Prosecute everyone who sells illegal drugs and make it stick. The
government should actually get into the drug business. It could sell
and tax marijuana, cocaine and heroin. These taxes could help fund
health care for all.

. Part of the fascination with drugs is that they are illegal.
Decriminalize them and demand will drop.