PROHIBITION FAILS TO SOLVE DRUG PROBLEMS

Editor, Times-Dispatch: I sincerely appreciate Fred Carreras writing to
criticize my recent letter.

The problem we can solve by changing our drug policy - from the current
violent war scenario into something more peaceful - is not the individual's
personal struggle. Problems of all types cause these troubles. Think of the
social disruption caused by matters of the heart. Many of these are private
concerns that can be dealt with only by individuals and families. If we
don't learn that lesson, we are doomed to fighting more personal battles
with silly laws.

Fatty calories are making more of us unhealthy than any drug. Should we
adopt Carreras' philosophy and have police arresting people with candy
bars? Here is why we should not: If fatty food were illegal, then Weight
Watchers could not operate openly. Food addicts would be afraid to show up
at meetings for fear of exposing themselves to arrest. That is why
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded after alcohol prohibition was lifted. Who
knows how many drug-users would come out of their closets seeking help if
we relaxed drug laws?

We need to ask the prohibitionists what law enforcement and the
imprisonment of drug offenders are really doing to help. I know a father of
four who is earning 19 cents per hour in prison on a marijuana offense. Due
to our anti-drug effort our country has the highest incarceration rate in
the world. The issue is jail and prison, not drugs. Carreras says our
region fails to grasp a serious problem. Maybe he needs to listen better.
Some of us may grasp this very difficult problem more than he does.

LENNICE WERTH

Crewe