DRUG WAR DISDAINED

Letter-writer Sandra Bennett (Aug. 17) needs to consider that both drug
abuse and drug prohibition can cause harm. So-called drug-related crime is
invariably prohibition-related. Attempts to limit the supply of illegal
drugs while demand remains constant only increase the profitability of drug
trafficking.

The drug war doesn't fight crime; it fuels crime.

With alcohol prohibition repealed, liquor bootleggers no longer gun each
other down in drive-by shootings, nor do consumers go blind drinking
unregulated bathtub gin.

While U.S. politicians ignore the clear historical precedent, European
countries are embracing harm reduction, a public health alternative to the
never-ending drug war. Examples of harm reduction include needle exchange
programs to stop the spread of HIV, marijuana regulation aimed at
separating the hard and soft drug markets, and treatment alternatives that
do not require incarceration.

Unfortunately, fear of appearing soft on crime compels many U.S.
politicians to support a punitive drug war that ultimately subsidizes
organized crime. Drug abuse is bad, but the drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe, M.P.A.

Drug Policy Alliance

Washington, DC