LEGALIZATION WON'T WORK

To the editor:

Some of the editorial "Bad Combination: Don't combine wars on drugs,
terror," Jan. 2, may have merit. Your position to legalize drugs as a
solution to solve anything does not. We can impede the flow of drug money
to terrorists by financial controls.

Yes, if we legalized drugs the crime rate and prison overcrowding would go
down, but crime would go up. The same would be true if we legalized murder,
rape and robbery. But who would want to live in the society that is created?

Legalizing may take some of the profit out of drugs. Then again, it may
only move the profit center. We legalized liquor and took the profit away
from the racketeers. But, there is apparently plenty of profit left. The
companies in this business are not declaring bankruptcy. The only change to
be achieved by reducing the price of drugs will be to greatly increase
their acceptance and usage by the public.

We have about 19,000 people killed on our highways each year by intoxicated
drivers. A large percentage of the crimes committed in the nation are
committed by people under the influence of some type of drugs. Yet, you
perceive that drugs are only a social problem. Not a criminal one.

This is the type of liberties we want? I think not! C'mon now, get that
needle out of your arm.

Hugh Kelley

Mission