DRUG ILLOGIC

Ellis Henican's ignorance of logic and reality as it pertains to the debate
on drug abuse has again served to unmask irresponsible libertarianism for
what it is on this issue: drug legalization ["This Drug Ad a Hard Sell,"
Feb. 3].

With regard to anti-drug ads in the Super Bowl, Henican writes, "The ads
advance the cynical claim that nonviolent Americans who use drugs are
financing international terrorism." Cynical or not, fact and common sense
tell us that both violent and non-violent drug offenders are helping to
finance terrorism through their illicit purchases of narcotics, which
supply the cash flow needed for terror activities.

"Kids smoking dope" may not have directly led to the attacks of 9-11, but
they certainly didn't help prevent such acts of violence. Rather than take
political and rhetorical potshots at the unfortunate circumstances
surrounding Noelle Bush's arrest on a forged prescription, legalization
supporters such as Henican and the Drug Policy Alliance should acknowledge
the already growing movement to compassionately divert non-violent drug
offenders to the treatment they need.

Bernie Diaz

Editor's Note: The writer is director of communications of the Miami
Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Community. Coral Gables, Fla.