LEGALIZING DRUGS

I'm writing about the thoughtful letter from Benjamin S. Davies,
"Legalization is real answer to war on drugs" (June 1).

I'd like to add that many judges and prison wardens have said that 70 to 90
percent of all property crime and violent crime is "drug-related."

Actually, almost 100 percent of so-called "drug-related crime" is caused by
drug prohibition policies - not drugs. When Coca-Cola contained cocaine
instead of caffeine and sold for 5 cents a bottle, the term "drug-related
crime" didn't exist.

Neither did drug lords, drug cartels or even drug dealers as we know
them today. Many currently employed in law enforcement are opposed to
the idea of re-legalizing all types of recreational drugs.

That's because if drugs were re-legalized, we would need far fewer law
enforcement personnel, far fewer prison guards and no prison builders.

Thus, many now employed in law enforcement and the prison industry
would be looking for a job or washing cars for a living. Of course,
those opposed to re-legalizing drugs because it would affect their
livelihood will not say so. Instead they will cite noble reasons such
as protecting the children.

As if the current policies are protecting children from drugs.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.