DRUG WAR HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM

This is in response to Kentucky Lt. Gov. Steve Pence's call for treatment
instead of punishment for drug offenders.

The drug war has hypocritically terrorized and incarcerated millions of
Americans.

Drugs are not inherently good or bad. Those who use drugs are certainly not
criminals unless they harm others or another's property.

Our government's prohibition of certain drugs has created an unregulated
black market in which any man, woman or child may participate. Presidents,
along with many other politicians and prominent members of our society, have
admitted to using some of the very substances that are currently illegal.

Our criminal law should be reserved for those who sell to minors and for
those who use these substances irresponsibly by harming others or others'
property. But we have no such control over the current market for "illicit"
drugs.

Before the 1930s, we did have control over these substances. Then certain
substances were criminalized. Then began our disrespect for government and
law enforcement.

We tried prohibition in dealing with alcohol. The results of that "noble
experiment" were making Al Capone a rich man and corrupting our government,
law enforcement and judiciary along the way.

Until we remove the black market aspect from our current illegal market, we
will continue to see the crime, corruption, death and disease associated
with prohibition rise.

I urge all citizens to contact their representatives and let them know that
we demand social and health care solutions for those who have problems with
drug use and not criminal justice solutions that leave the user and society
in an ever worsening disaster.

Scott Russ, Baton Rouge, La.