DRUG WARS

Re "Drug war: One cartel falls, another rises," Opinion, June
19

Great observations by William C. Rempel that obscene black-market
profits ensure that illicit cartels put out of business are quickly
replaced. The carnage and crime associated with illicit drugs are
triggered by our demented, punitive policy.

Notice that alcohol distributors no longer kill off the competition.
We tolerate these salesmen.

The people believe in self-government and self-medication. Drug abuse
or addiction do not respond well to punitive laws. We should restore
public and law enforcement safety around the globe, and use our
resources to catch violent criminals and sexual predators or
incarcerate those morally bankrupt people selling drugs to children or
driving while intoxicated. Save lives instead of ruining them.

Colleen McCool

Stephenville, Texas