CANADA SHOULD NOT FOLLOW U.S. LEAD

To the Editor:

Thanks for publishing Robert Sharpe's outstanding letter, "War on Drugs
Wastes Money" (9-18-02). In 1969 the U.S. federal drug enforcement budget
was $65 million. This year it's $19.2 billion. (Just the federal which
doesn't include the cost of incarceration nor state and local costs). The
$19.2 billion is greater than a 295 fold increase.

If the 1969 25 cent cup of coffee had increased at the same rate, coffee
would sell for almost $75.00 per cup. More than $75.00 with sales tax.

The net result of our so-called investment; anybody in the U.S. that wants
drugs can still get them. Just as easily as in 1969.

My advice to Canada: observe U.S. drug policy and then do the opposite.
Don't follow us - we're lost.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Arizona