CEASE-FIRE NEEDED IN DRUG WAR

Editor:

The war on drugs has been totally ineffective and outrageously expensive,
all the while corroding the moral compass of our paternalistic state
authorities.

Let us acknowledge that the drug laws have caused the unintentional deaths
of innocent citizens. We need not rehash the deaths of innocents from
drive-by shootings, home invasions, pharmacy heists or shootouts with police.

Now I wish to bring to the attention of citizens that, because of drug
laws, people without a modicum of training or reliable equipment are
hastily trying to make methamphetamines with chemicals in poorly ventilated
rooms and vehicles.

Drug dealers -- like government -- don't consider the unintended
consequences, namely: poisonings from contaminated drugs, exposure to
buildup of wastes and now the all too familiar explosions killing
themselves and bystanders in their buildings or on the streets.

These two groups share the same selfish myopic mindset. The state seems not
to care how much life and liberty will be sacrificed by responsible
citizens for the sake of the jihad against drugs; the people who want drugs
will always get them, no matter what.

This cat-and-mouse game is getting more dangerous. The state should declare
a cease-fire, repeal the drug laws, and stop reshuffling the death
certificates.

Dr. Simon McClure

Bridgeport