DRUG WAR FOLLY

As a police detective, I learned that every drug dealer ever arrested
was replaced within days. What Chief Justice Hunstein meant about
"always having criminals" was that drug dealers are created by the job
opportunity when a current dealer is arrested.

Many dealers now come from Mexico and other countries. Thus the supply
is endless. Since dealers accept as a condition of employment possible
death and long prison terms, nothing the courts can do will deter
their actions.

Drug prohibition is the basic problem, same as it was in 1933. We need
to abandon the concept that the government can fix stupid. My
colleagues should not be going into homes to stop adults from putting
something in their bodies. That task is best left for family and friends.

Howard Wooldridge

Albany