THE FAILING WAR ON DRUGS

I'm writing about Eric Sjolin's thoughtful letter: "The failing War
on Drugs" Sept. 12. I agree that the so-called war on drugs is a
complete failure in preventing drug use or in reducing the harms from
recreational drugs. However, the drug war is very successful in
creating taxpayer paid jobs for the so-called drug warriors.

The goal of the drug war is not victory. The DEA is a huge
bureaucracy. And like all bureaucracies its real goal is its
continuation and expansion.

Without marijuana prohibition we would need far fewer so-called drug
warriors like DEA agents and no jail or prison builders. Without
marijuana prohibition many DEA agents would be looking for a job or
washing cars for a living.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.