JUST SAY 'YES' TO LEGALIZING DRUGS

George Bush has said quitting drugs would help fight terrorism. His
suggestion might influence a few people, but he would be much more
effective if he led the fight to legalize drugs.

The drug war does make it harder for us to oppose terrorism. Some fraction
of huge drug profits go to terrorists, and vast resources are wasted in
this unwinnable war on drugs.

Law enforcement is frustrated, demoralized and partially corrupted in a
campaign that, like prohibition, most citizens do not support.

A huge tax base is also squandered, a fraction of which could expand
drug-use treatment and provide honest education about the consequences of
drug use.

Most of us who once used drugs have survived and gotten over it. Many of us
have prospered, even some of today's leaders.

We should have some faith that today's young people are equally able to
mature beyond these experiences, whether we advise them against drug use or
not.

How many more of our children will face debilitating criminal penalties
under today's laws than would become permanent addicts in a society with
legalized drugs?

A Saturday letter to the editor is correct about the roadblock of politics
in the path of reform.

Some politicians may already be in the pockets of the illegal drug industry.

I think we need more people who will risk the criticism of our cautious,
politically-correct neighbors to get a message to those politicians who are
capable of understanding the adverse implications of continuing our present
policies.
Paul Norton

Santa Barbara