WAR ON DRUGS FRUITLESS

I seldom agree with the opinions of Jose de la Isla, but his column
Tuesday concerning the war on drugs expressed my thoughts exactly.
This is a "war" that will never be won -- prime example, Prohibition.
Even with a constitutional amendment, no one who wanted to drink
alcohol was prevented from doing so.

From the dawn of man, humans have been attracted to substances that
alter their feelings and perceptions. Even other species tend to seek
out fermenting fruit and other plant materials that make them drunk.

Our nation has wasted billions of dollars and man-hours "fighting"
this fruitless "war." Stop it. Decriminalize drug use and put the
dollars and man-hours toward treating those who want to get out of
this lifestyle.

Those who want to continue using should be able to obtain the drugs
without resorting to crime to afford it. After all, no one has to rob
and steal to buy their beer, wine and liquor.

And the major result will be that when the drugs are legal and
reasonably priced, drug gangs will have to find another reason for
existing.

Pat Wedel

San Angelo