DRUG WAR FAILURE

Drug prohibition has actually been failing since 1909 when a "smoking
opium" ban was enacted. America's drug crusade has never worked in
over 100 years.

The idea that some new approach will succeed after the drug warriors
have tried everything their devious and deceitful minds can conceive
is true insanity.

Drug prohibition can never work because the very act of outlawing
drugs makes dealing them incredibly profitable. Severe penalties only
increase profit margins, and busting dealers that are instantly
replaced accomplishes nothing.

The United States has become the world leader in incarceration
because of an ill-conceived drug crusade. The only thing left for
Kerlikowske is to announce a formal surrender and to regulate drugs
the same way we do beer, wine and hard liquor.

Ralph Givens

Daly City, Calif.