'ALL GREAT TRUTHS BEGIN AS BLASPHEMIES'

In the words of George Bernard Shaw, "All great truths begin as blasphemies."

In her letter to the editor of Sept. 13, titled "Failed war on drugs has
escalated the problem," Debbie Hall courageously tackled our extremely
controversial "War on Drugs" and brought to light the obvious.

It is sad, but individuals who stand up and recommend change or even offer an
educated analysis of our present tactics are often demonized and scorned as
pro-drug. We are so brainwashed we reject common sense and instead allow public
alarm, propaganda, and fear to control our ideology.

According to William F. Buckley Jr., "More people die every year as a result of
the war against drugs than die from what we call, generically, overdosing." Our
cure is worse than the disease.

It is we, the people, not politicians, who are to blame for this miserable
mess. Contrary to popular belief, our politicians are not leaders; they are
merely followers of public perception.

Perception is not always truth. Prohibition does not work, and it will never
work. As long as we continue down our present path, our problem will continue
to escalate.

Kim Dunaway

Ocean Springs