DRUG-WAR STRATEGY NEEDS REFOCUSING

Editor, the News-Sentinel:

I am writing to say that I agree with the letter to the editor written by
Robert Sharp on Sept. 27.

We need to change our strategy in fighting drug abuse. Our current policies
have only made the problem worse.

It is time we focus our vast drug-war resources on a strategy that is
proven to work. Several other countries around the world have learned that,
by separating marijuana from the hard drug market and by diverting more
funds to education and treatment, they can better address the problem of
drug use.

I wish America would wake up to that fact. I am sick of seeing violent
criminals being released in order to make room for non-violent drug offenders.

I'm also sick of my country having the highest rate of incarceration in the
world.

Jason Marrs

Ossining, N.Y.