DRUG WAR HAS HAD SUCCESSES

Re the Sept. 16 Readers' Forum letters In 30 years, the drug war hasn't
made a dent: How unfortunate that many people who are looking for any and
all ways to legalize drugs would use the anecdotal tragedy of Gov. Jeb
Bush's family as a case study to further such a flawed ideology.

The prevalence of drug use in the United States has been reduced by 40
percent since 1985. Marijuana use has declined by 31 percent among
Miami-Dade youth since 1995, according to the Miami Coalition's semi-
annual Priority One report, released earlier this year. Much of the success
has been accomplished with a small portion of our state and federal
budgets. It largely is due to the efforts of parents, community members,
school leaders and law enforcement under Bush's Office of Drug Control.

Decriminalization of illicit drug use will lead to a greater number of
abuse cases, overdoses, deaths and spiraling healthcare costs. More
families will suffer, too.

*Bernie Diaz is Director of Communications, Miami Coalition For a Safe and
Drug-Free Community, Coral Gables