SCENES FROM THE DRUG WAR

In Colbert I. King's May 4 op-ed column, "Drugs and Crime, Viewed
From Behind Bars," "Chris," who is doing time, discussed the effect
of drug use on crime and made a good case for legalization of drugs
and treatment of offenders instead of the present policy of "lock up
the users and go after the suppliers." Mr. King allowed Chris to make
his case, then disagreed: "Cheap drugs would encourage drug use. We
have enough problems with alcohol and tobacco."

During Prohibition one could get a drink, but the quality was
uncertain, and the price was high. Bootleggers were rolling in money
and controlled powerful gangs. When the high profits went out of the
business, their empires collapsed.

Most people -- not all, of course -- learned to drink in moderation.
I much prefer the present system of regulating alcohol to outlawing
it. Tobacco use is decreasing because of adverse publicity and the
increase in prices due to tax policies. The drug war has done little
to decrease supply, but it has enriched the illegal suppliers.

I am disappointed that Mr. King supports organizations in our
government that have been established or built up to carry on this
losing battle. They will fight tooth and nail to survive.

WILLIAM N. PRICE
Washington

Colbert I. King wrote, "Cheap drugs would encourage drug use." But
that's not what's happening in the Netherlands.

Marijuana is available to adults at local coffeehouses without
criminal sanctions. The Dutch rate of drug usage is substantially
lower for all recreational drugs, especially hard drugs such as
heroin.

KIRK MUSE
Mesa, Ariz.