STOPPING BORDER DRUG OPERATIONS

After reading the Aug. 8 article about drugs in Mexico, I believe that
if the US seriously wanted to have an immediate impact on Mexico's
control of drug violence, it would legalize (though heavily regulate)
all drugs immediately. As a former narcotics prosecutor in New York
City, this is the only rational way to reduce drug violence. Why would
anyone think that more of the same will work?

More aid to Mexico will only allow corrupt officials to sell
protection to the highest bidder and use the American military to
eliminate the competition. The drug flow will continue more or less
unabated as long as US drug demand is there.

Michael Brautigam

Cincinnati