END DRUG WAR AND FIGHT GANGS

Our country's war on drugs has turned out to be a complete failure, and a
monumental waste of time, money and resources.

There is a better way.

Decriminalize drugs and take out the profit margin for dealers. Treat the
addiction through rehabilitation, not incarceration.

The profits from selling drugs are so great that inner-city gangs are
increasing in numbers and expanding to every city in our nation.

In many neighborhoods, you can't even walk outside without fear of gang
violence. Many retired prison wardens agree the war on drugs has been a
huge failure.

Our police departments and other law-enforcement agencies waste time and
money chasing the small-time drug offenders, instead of the thugs who now
terrorize many of our communities.

I think it's time for a real war -- and that's a war on gangs.

If that means using the National Guard in some of our more violent cities
to take back control of our streets and make them safe again, who would object?

I'll bet most Americans would applaud and approve, and wonder what took so
long.

We are able to help other nations become safe and secure, but we can't seem
to secure our own cities.

Kevin O'Connor Santa Barbara, Calif.