DATELINE ON DRUGS

The anonymous author of the Dateline D.C. column reveals great
ignorance of drug war economics in his latest piece, "The needle and
the damage done" (Opinion and Commentary, Jan. 9).

By highlighting the connection between drug distribution and
terrorism, the author unwittingly makes the case for ending
prohibition.

The war on drugs makes easily producible substances literally worth
more than their weight in gold, and turns over their production and
distribution to criminals and terrorists.

By regulating drugs, the government would immediately eliminate a
major terrorism funding source.

Tom Angell

Washington, D.C.

The writer is communications director of Students for Sensible Drug
Policy (www.ssdp.org).