LET'S DISCUSS DRUGS RATIONALLY

Regarding "George Shultz on the Drug War" by Mary Anastasia O'Grady
(Americas, Oct. 12), one wonders why so few public figures are willing
to acknowledge the simple economic truth driving the drug war: It's
the profit motive, stupid. As long as there's market demand for drugs,
and there always will be, someone will be there to supply the goods.
The sad political problem is that fear often trumps facts. As long as
elected officials cower at the threat of attack ads labeling them
pro-drug or soft on crime, there will be no political space for a
rational discussion of effective drug policy.

Fortunately, that's starting to change, as leaders such as Sen. James
Webb (D., Va.) and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson have shown it's
possible to chart a bold course for reform, from an emphasis on
treatment over incarceration to medical marijuana laws, without losing
support among voters.

Robert Ablon

Drug Policy Alliance

New York