THE NOT-SO-NOBLE REASONS BEHIND THE WAR ON DRUGS

I'm writing about Michael Harney's thoughtful op-ed, "Let's get real"
[Commentary, June 30].

We could continue to do what we have been doing regarding drugs - throw
another trillion dollars down the drug-war rat hole. And we could lock up
another million, or two million or ten million, hoping to nullify the
immutable law of supply and demand. And we could continue to keep certain
(politically selected) drugs illegal so that they continue to be untaxed,
unregulated, controlled by criminal gangs, and financially supportive of
our enemies.

Of course, many currently employed in law enforcement are opposed to
legalizing any now-illegal drugs. That's because if all types of drugs were
legal, we would need far fewer law enforcement personnel, far fewer prison
guards and no prison builders. Thus, many now employed in law enforcement
or the prison industry would be looking for a job or washing cars for a
living. However, those opposed to legalizing recreational drugs because it
would affect their livelihood will not [admit why]. Instead, they cite
noble reasons like protecting the children.

As if our current policies are protecting children from drugs.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.