ABUSERS KEEP DRUG MARKET ALIVE

Editor: Whenever I read about people who use drugs and the criminals who
supply them, my simple, grammar school dropout mind comes to the conclusion
that the powers that govern are stupid.

We have spent billions of dollars in a useless effort to curtail this
tragedy, but all the money, rehabilitation and comfortable jails only seem
to increase the flow and use of this self-punishing poison.

There is only one cure and it is as old civilization. That cure is swift
and severe punishment. Our policy makers blame those who sell drugs.

The real culprit is the sick mind of those who smoke or inject these drugs.

We must make them suffer. Instead of comfortable jails with TV, three meals
a day, air conditioned cells, doctors and psychiatrists, we should ship
them to an island off the coast of Alaska.

Only then will the fear of punishment deter these self abusers from
breaking the law. Only then will the market for drugs vanish. Only then
will the seller and pusher look for gainful employment, I hope.