BIGGEST PROBLEM OF ALL -- DRUG ABUSE

Editor:

The tragedy of 9/11 and the war on terrorism makes all the headlines in
newspapers and newscasts. We are neglecting the biggest problem of all --
drug abuse.

Over the last 30 years the government spent billions to stop the drug flow.
Now middle school children and thousands of people from all walks of life
are hooked. True some progress has been made by confiscation of planes,
boats, cars, property and jail sentences, unfortunately this has hardly
made a dent in the influx of drugs. We must conclude that the war on drugs
is a costly bust. Why? Because of fast, easy, big dollars. From
neighborhood pushers, to middlemen, to drug czars, the money is exorbitant.

I take the unpopular stand and support legalizing drug use. This will take
the big money out of it. Now comes the outcry, too many people will become
druggies. It's true in the beginning, more people may start, but this will
quickly diminish. Use the saved billions to make free drug rehabilitation
centers, free to all people, to get the aid they now lack.

In the 1930s, our country faced a similar problem with prohibition. When it
was legalized to drink, there was fear that large numbers would become
drunks. This did not happen. The same results can be expected with
legalized drugs. How long do we have to go with a policy that does not
work? It's time to take a new approach, take away the big money, then there
will be no need to push drugs.

Walter Klinger

North Port