FUND TREATMENT CENTERS INSTEAD

Regarding the Sept. 7 article about the upcoming vote in Coos County to
"fund the drug battle," I hope the voters of Coos County will use this
opportunity to choose a more sensible approach to drug policy.

We have been fighting "the war on drugs" for more than 30 years, longer
than any war in the history of this nation. After more than three decades,
our drug problem has not even slightly diminished.

In fact, the drug problem has grown larger and larger. Between 1989 and
2000, the drug force had access to virtually unlimited funds seized from
accused drug users, yet methamphetamine was practically unheard of in 1989
and was an epidemic by 2000. Obviously, funding had little effect on the
drug task force's effectiveness.

Drug abuse is a social health problem, not a law enforcement problem. I
hope the voters of Coos Bay will save their tax dollars for treatment
centers open 24/7 and able to admit walk-in patients immediately for
commitment to a long-term treatment and follow-up plan. This is the only
solution to the ravages of hard drug addiction.

Bruce Buckner

Ocean Shores, Wash.