FUTILE PROTEST

Editor -- Regarding the news story, "Cry for peace in Oakland streets"
(July 14): One's heart goes out to the people of Oakland. They were
marching, pleading for an end to violence against their children.

It will do no good. The people who should listen and care, the Congress and
the president, have heard it all before and they aren't going to do
anything that will help. Although there are many things that could be done,
nothing will change.

A most obvious change that would produce a dramatic transformation of life
in the city is to repeal the laws making drug use a crime for adults. The
drug war has created criminals where none existed.

Having few choices, some poor people have succumbed to the temptation to
sell drugs and have lost everything in the process. Many members of
Congress, who know that the war on drugs is a con game, don't have the guts
to get rid of it.

The people of Oakland and others who want to help should register to vote,
and get rid of politicians who keep us locked in this futile, fake crusade.

Howard Mass

El Cerrito
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Wrong Rights

Editor -- Regarding your article on Supervisor Chris Daly ("Rebel S.F.
supervisor fights for re-election," July 15): I will rest easier knowing
that our city government has such a tireless advocate for the rights of
drug dealers, junkies, criminals and street people to break the law and
trash our once-beautiful city.

John M. Farrell

San Francisco