PUBLIC OFFICIALS SHOULD AMEND THE DRUG WAR

To the editor:

I recently read a column by Donald V. Adderton online, and thought it was
very good.

It is quite persuasive, but it seems to me that Adderton blamed the wrong
characters in his last sentence or two. He blames law enforcement for not
making a response, which sounds like an exaggeration.

I live in Florida so I cannot accurately judge what happens in Mississippi.
If they make no response there, it must be the only jurisdiction in the
entire country that does not.

In any event, it is the legislative branch, not the police (executive)
branch that is to blame for creating jobs, and presenting the opportunity
for the criminal element to poison your community.

It is the legislative branch that has passed the laws creating the
prohibition and black market that the criminal element thrives upon. It is
the legislative branch that is obligated to remove that black market by the
same method it created it - by legislation.

In this case, repeal of the foolish and harmful laws legislators have passed.

Admittedly, the law-enforcement community would suffer huge budget cuts if
the prohibition ended, but there are many good and honest men who are tired
of the foolishness, hypocrisy and deceit involved in the drug war.

I simply think Adderton is blaming the wrong party for not ending the
influence of the criminal element that poisons our community.

Richard Sinnott,

Fort Pierce, Fla.