`CALL OFF WAR ON DRUGS'? THINK AGAIN, MR. REESIDE

In response to "Call off the war on drugs" (May 26 Viewpoint):

Bill Reeside Jr. argues that we shouldn't waste resources on drug
programs for people "who aren't adversely affecting anyone's health or
property." Surely he 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.

I agree, however, that new jails shouldn't be built because of the
burgeoning population of "criminals" imprisoned for possession of
small amounts of marijuana.

Phil Clutts

Charlotte