COUNTER-'PLOY': RELEASE U.S. DRUG PRISONERS

In response to "Saddam opens jails; Powell says it's a ploy" (Oct. 21). If
Saddam Hussein's release of the captives is indeed a "ploy," how about a
counter-ploy from President Bush?

Proclaiming freedom from captivity is a sacred concept in Judaism,
Christianity and Islam. President Bush, who says he is a man of faith,
could declare an amnesty and proclaim release to the nonviolent captives of
our misguided war on drugs.

Can you picture it, a world where leaders exchange "ploys" of mercy instead
of threats of killing?

Edward T. Hinson Jr.

Charlotte