REFORM OUR DRUG LAWS, HALT THE MISDIRECTED 'WAR ON DRUGS'

A Feb. 25 article stated, "A new joint federal, state and local initiative
is under way in Jackson and Vicksburg to sweep illegal drug users off the
streets" (Drug users target of initiative"). What a waste of our resources
this is.

This "sweep" will have absolutely zero effect. It will only make folks
"feel" better, not actually "be" better.

People have eaten, drank, injected, rubbed onto themselves, smoked and
inhaled various forms of mind-altering substances since the beginning of
time. This is human nature and it will continue until the end of time.

Prohibition will not stop people from doing what they want to do just
because something is currently against the law.

The war on drugs is a complete failure, with billions of dollars flushed
down the toilet and still counting. That is so very much money that could
have been spent on education, health care, abused family shelters or
hundreds of other well-deserving programs.

Our hard-earned taxed-to-death paychecks are what supports the war on drugs
and I am just one of millions who is sick to death of the lies our
government keeps shoving down our throats. We are being ripped completely
off.

While some are filling their lungs with civic pride because they think they
are rubbing out the drug element, they are breathing in foul air.

Instead, why not try to reform our drug laws? Try to compare the cost of
rehabilitation as opposed to prison. I think many will be quite shocked at
the difference of these costs.

Non-violent drug offenders can get more prison time than murderers, rapists
and child molesters. This is a horror and injustice.

Anita Mayfield
Nettleton