DECRIMINALIZATION IS FOLLY

RE "CRITICS: New pot law will bug U.S." (May, 1): Kathleen Harris' article
quotes John Walters, U.S. drug czar, saying decriminalization makes little
sense. "When you make the penalties minimal you get more drug use, you get
more drug addiction, you get more drug production, you get more drug
crime," he said. For the first time since Walters was named to the junta,
he has spoken a speck of truth. But it is just a deke, as he follows up
with one of the classic myths from the propaganda playbook, "you get more
drug crime." No, the truth is you get more prohibition-related crime. Our
experience with alcohol shows Walters' advice to be that of a fool. Your
Senate's report clearly shows decriminalization is folly and makes little
sense. Legalization is where the path leads. It is a goal attainable by
free Canadians, covered by their Charter of Rights.

Jay Bergstrom

Sacramento, Calif.

(This is one war the U.S. won't win)