SCREAMING FOR REFORM OF DRUG LAWS

To the editor:

The assertion "our youth need to be protected at all costs, no matter the
end result," as stated in a column by Donald Adderton ("Drugs force tough
decisions, result in unfair conclusions, Jan. 20, 2004 - Delta Democrat
Times) is regrettable and irresponsible.

North America is suffering because of the need for credible drug law reform
and the Goose Creek (S.C.) High School incident screams it out loud.

It is commendable to help youth resist drugs, alcohol, cannabis, coffee and
cigarettes until they are older and responsible for their choices, but
caging responsible adult cannabis users is not the correct way to do it.

From observing the failure of the war on drugs, which is the ugly sequel
to prohibition, "the end result" is an uncivilized embarrassment for all
the world to see, which does not protect youth, and should not be allowed
to continue.

Stan White,

Dillon, Colo.