FORMER DEPUTY AG REFLECTS WITH MANY ABOUT DRUG WAR

Peter Letang joins a growing army of former prosecutors and other law
enforcement officials who now realize that the "the war on drugs" is
a lost cause. Mayor James M. Baker, as well as other governmental
officials, acknowledge that the efforts put forth to try and stem the
flow of drugs is doing more harm than good. While Letang would not go
so far as to endorse the decriminalization of drugs, preferring to
find some "middle ground somewhere," decriminalization is the middle ground.

Legislating drugs to be legal is a non-starter. Politically that
won't fly. However the decriminalization of certain Level 1 drug,
such as marijuana, should be attempted. Letang made mention that
prohibition failed to stop the consumption of alcohol. While the
intake of marijuana has a benign effect on the user, the abuse of
alcohol leads to human violence, personal injury, unplanned
pregnancies and the spread of sexual diseases. More that 100,000
American a year die as a result of its use. At least when you meet a
person wasted on marijuana in a bar, that individual will not try to
pick a fight with you as another would if they were intoxicated.

Alcohol, compared to marijuana, is a much more dangerous substance.
It's role in automobile accidents is well documented. On the other
hand, a person under the influence of marijuana might get a ticket
for driving too slowly.

Attorney General Carl C. Danberg, along with former Attorney General
Charles M. Oberly III, seemingly agree with Letang. Danberg is of the
opinion that the legalization of drugs might open a pandora's box
leading to more people addicted to drugs. This is probably more true
than not. But, we already know what the alternative is. And it's not
pretty. The senseless taking of lives that is ongoing not only in
Wilmington, but in cities and small towns across our country, must
end. Isn't it better to see someone in a rehabilitation facility
rather than a morgue?

The war on drugs has been going on for over 30 years, at a cost of
over $500 billion. Most of the people currently spending time in our
prisons are there for drug offenses. Those convicted of drug offenses
have those convictions follow them throughout their lives. That makes
it much harder to find employment and become productive members of society.

The current strategy is flawed. The time and money spent supporting
this strategy can be better used in helping those in need of our
compassion and support.

David C. Martin

Wilmington