PROHIBITION HARMS LIBERTY

To the editor: Mr. Hugh Kelley draws parallels between drugs and alcohol
("Legalization won't work," Jan. 3). He seems to imply that liquor
companies are simply a different center of profits from the Capone-style
gangsters of prohibition. Interesting. What do the employees of this
industry think of that? How about the millions of Americans who enjoy a
cocktail on the weekend? Are your dollars funding illegal enterprises? Mr.
Kelley also points to drunk driving statistics. I urge him to consider why
alcohol is not illegal. Under prohibition, were the harms of alcohol
increased or decreased? How about marijuana prohibition? I do not use
intravenous drugs, Mr. Kelley, and yes, liberalized drug laws are the kind
of liberties I seek. The kind enshrined in the Constitution. The kind that
allow for real education and reduction of harm. The kind that keep
victimless offenders out of prison. The kind that deal with reality, not
hysteria.

Matt Tyson, Portland, Ore.