PAYING THE PRICE

I was amused by letters to the Tribune on Feb. 24 commenting that
prohibition of drugs is what allows terrorists to finance their murder
campaigns. There's truth in this argument, but it doesn't go far enough.

It's been determined that terrorist organizations are making huge
profits off illegal drugs because some will pay any price to get hold
of drugs. The economics are accurate, but it's irrational to make an
activity legal because there's a black market for it.

For example, if we make drugs legal for those 18 and older, would we
be struggling to keep young people away from them even more than now?
Would lower-cost drugs cause an increase in the number of people who
are addicted?

Society has a tough time holding people accountable for their actions.
It is even harder to hold accountable people who are mentally unstable
as a result of alcohol or other drugs.

There are those who will do anything to get cash for criminal
activity. We must make them pay the price for that activity.(

KENNETH KLEIN
Tampa