WAR ON DRUGS TO GET WORSE

I expected a lot of flack with regard to the War on Drugs letter I
wrote ("Let drug-users be," Nov. 19). Since the war's implementation
the devastation has escalated into a severe problem because of the
plunder achieved by the unsavory elements that provide these
restricted products. They hook the unwary into using drugs because
it's profitable. This is why the War on Drugs cannot be won and it
will only get worse if we continue on our present course.

We forget the history of the War on Booze (Prohibition) declared
early in the twentieth century. The same thing happened that we are
now witnessing with the War on Drugs - the unsavory elements made
fortunes on the distribution of these restricted products. The more
booze confiscated the more valuable the remaining stash, thus
increasing the plunder, which is the same for drugs. The Drug War is
far worse than the War on Booze because it's worldwide.

Please re-read my letter and try to understand my thinking on the
stupidities of our present course of action. The big picture is far
more important than the many individual drug-related cases if we wish
to find a solution.

I have no ulterior motive as suggested.

Ralph Tamm, Lihu'e