DRUG WAR II

Mike Stucka defeats the idea of renewing drug task forces with his
first paragraph. Obviously the tough prison sentences handed out as a
result of their activities have had zero impact on the illegal drug
market. Indeed, more drugs are available in cheaper purer forms than in 1991.

The history of America's drug crusade is a tale of unrelenting
failure. It is time to abandon prohibition and install a system of
legal regulated drug distribution.

It's worth remembering that Eliot Ness never put the bootleggers out
of business. Repeal and a regulated market for adult alcohol use shut
the booze barons down in a matter of days and we haven't had a
bombing or a shoot out over a beer route since 1933.

- -- Ralph Givens

Daly City, Calif.