DECRIMINALIZATION CAN DECREASE DRUG USE

Chief Gary Yabuta has resurrected the same old and thoroughly
discredited arguments in support of drug prohibition (The Maui News,
Jan. 22). After 50 years, the completely failed war on drugs has only
resulted in more drug use and a financial bonanza for dealers and
suppliers. The Taliban and FARC guerillas are the drug war's
strongest supporters. Its end would end their major source of funds.

I have seen up close the message that drug prohibition sends to our
young people. It motivates dealers to give drugs to young children
who then become their runners. It shows them that to get rich quick,
quit school and become a dealer.

Police corruption is rampant, including bribery and direct sales of
confiscated drugs, and this leads everyone to lose respect for law
enforcement. Gang wars erupt and murder is commonplace. The city I am
talking about is Detroit but the result of prohibition is always the same.

When will we learn?

In 2000, Portugal had a serious drug-use problem. A commission
recommended complete decriminalization of drug use. The result has
been a resounding success. Drug use is down significantly -
particularly among young people. People are seeking treatment instead
of hiding, and lifetime drug use is now one-fourth that in the United States.

Mal Johnson

Kihei