BLAME WAR ON DRUGS FOR USERS' CRIMES

In response to " 'Call off war on drugs'? Think again, Mr. Reeside" (May 29
Forum):

Phil Clutts argues that "Surely [Viewpoint columnist Bill Reeside Jr.] knows
that people on serious drugs often steal and harm others to support their
habit; that they set the tone for their neighborhoods, bringing in a
criminal element that repels those fortunate enough to escape; that their
lifestyle encourages impressionable youngsters to believe drug-dealing is
the quick way to money and recognition; that shared needles can lead to
death and that addicts are seldom great parental role models."

What Mr. Clutts fails to see is that all these problems are symptoms of the
war on drugs. End that farcical prohibition and people wouldn't have to
steal and harm others if they had access to these drugs legally. They
wouldn't set a "bad tone" any more than alcohol and tobacco users do now.
And the only drug-dealing to impress youth would be that of corporate
America, which already sells the public billions of dollars worth of pills,
booze and cigarettes.

Steven Powers

Charlotte