Pubdate: Thu, 16 Aug 2001
Source: Palm Beach Post (FL)
Copyright: 2001 The Palm Beach Post
Contact:  http://www.gopbi.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/333
Author: Frank J. Zinghini

DRUG WAR SUCCEEDING ONLY IN THROWING MONEY AWAY

Gregory Kane's Aug. 3 Opinion article "Snitch gets rich as 'war' goes 
nowhere" is right on the money with regard to today's worldwide drug 
problem. Trying to eliminate illegal drug use is without a doubt 
impossible. History illustrates what happened when the government tried to 
eliminate alcohol. Mr. Kane clearly pointed out the alcohol hypocrisy in 
comparison with drugs.

The only way to control the problem is to legalize drugs. I am sure only 
the hint of such a plan would put the fear of God in every politician, not 
to mention all the criminal elements that produce, distribute and sell 
illicit drugs. They would be put out of business. I do not know what it 
will take for our leaders to face reality without being afraid of total 
condemnation by their naive constituents.

The enormous amount of money being spent on drug-related programs, 
including payoffs to characters like the one described in Mr. Kane's 
column, the $1 billion-plus budgeted for Colombia and the law- enforcement 
costs related to drug problems all could be saved and used on other 
priorities. With legalized drugs, the government would be able to target 
education programs to many of the most needy. Granted, legalizing drugs 
will not solve all the problems, but it surely would be a step in the right 
direction.

FRANK J. ZINGHINI, Tequesta
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