DRUG WAR

To the editor:

I think it's laughable when the opponents of Question 9 argue that
marijuana must remain illegal in order to avoid sending the wrong message
to young people.

Unenforceable drug laws, together with Byzantine tax laws, have effectively
undermined respect for the law to such an extent that this argument is
rendered specious -- and, arguably, disingenuous.

The drug war having been a colossal failure, the best message that society
can send to young people is that the law is able to take account of its own
failures. To help to restore respect for the law, Question 9 should be
approved by the voters.

CHUCK CAVANAUGH

LAS VEGAS