REFORM DRUG LAWS - A ROCKEFELLER'S PLEA

To the Editor:

Re "Swapping Blame as Drug Law Rift Widens in Albany" (news article, June 20):

As the New York Legislature considers a revision of the drug laws, I hope
that it will make a fresh, open-minded review of all the best evidence.

In New York, harsh drug laws are associated with my brother Nelson. In
light of what was known 29 years ago, as governor, Nelson advocated such
laws. But I am convinced that in light of current knowledge, he would today
be open to a fresh look at the issue. Above all, he was a practical and
humane leader.

The losses in this war are now well known. We have far too many people in
jail for too long for relatively minor offenses. Families are destroyed,
creating another generation of dysfunction.

The economic cost of the war is huge. Enforcement and imprisonment have
become major components of federal and state budgets to the neglect of
other pressing needs.

Further, overly harsh laws and punishments have reduced faith in
government, which is essential to the functioning of a democracy.

Thus, in light of these factors, the time is ripe for legislative action.

LAURANCE S. ROCKEFELLER, New York, June 20, 2002