ONLY DECRIMINALIZATION WILL WIN WAR ON DRUGS

In response to "Let's win the war on drugs" (June 16 Feedback):John
Emerson's entire argument hinges upon his assertion that "Legalization
would only increase the crime rate." Twentieth-century U.S. history clearly
demonstrates the opposite result. Prohibition was repealed not because the
majority of voters used or wanted to use alcohol, but to reduce the
horrific crime rate due solely to its illegal status.

It takes two blind eyes to our history to argue that the crime rate would
increase as a result of the decriminalization of possession of minor
amounts of intoxicating substances under similar legal controls as the
various alcoholic beverages. These controls would further ensure purity of
substances and reduce the spread of AIDS, hepatitis, etc.

Like many on opposing sides of an issue, we desire the same result. Mr.
Emerson's recommended approach has proven over many decades to be a dismal
failure, and frankly, inflames the ills we would heal. Maybe it's time to
trust our history and citizenry and finally win this war.

Jim Champion

Matthews