SHOULD U.S. END WAR ON DRUGS?

In 1969, the U.S. federal drug enforcement budget was $65 million. Last
year it was $19.2 billion. (These figures don't include the cost of
incarceration nor the state and local costs).

In 1969, coffee sold for about 25 cents a cup. If the price of coffee had
increased at the same rate as our drug-enforcement budget, coffee would now
sell for almost $75 a cup.

What have we received for our so-called investment? Absolutely nothing.
Recreational drugs are just as available today as they were in 1969.

In 1969, methamphetamine use and production was not at record levels and
epidemic proportions. It is today.

We cannot keep recreational drugs out of our highest-security prisons and
jails, so how can we expect to be able to keep drugs out of our country
with thousands of miles of coastline and international borders?

As long as people want recreational drugs and they are willing to pay a
substantial price for the drugs, somebody will produce the drugs and
somebody else will get the drugs to the willing buyers.

This is guaranteed.

Kirk Muse, Mesa, Ariz.