STOP GANGS? STOP DRUG WAR

Gang troubles can indeed shatter the American dream. But I must vehemently
oppose the idea that a "gang task force" is going to help ("Gang troubles
can shatter the American dream," Forum, March 20).The economic heart of
these violent street gangs is the black market in drugs, prostitution and
other illegal activities. Destroy their economic heart and the street gangs
will be out of business.

Does this mean a greater war on drugs? No. We have fought the war on drugs
for nearly a century now and are no closer to winning. Does this mean the
legalization and regulation of drugs, prostitution and other such things?
Almost certainly.

- - Keith B. Rosenberg, Rancho Cordova