Pubdate: Tue, 15 Jan 2002 Source: Newsday (NY) Copyright: 2002 Newsday Inc. Contact: http://www.newsday.com/homepage.htm Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308 Author: Stephen J. Pasierb Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n009/a04.html?1130 CUT DEMAND FOR DRUGS Robert Sharpe is correct that the Taliban and the Northern Alliance have used illicit drugs as a source of profit ["U.S. Should Follow Europe's Lead in Drug-Law Reform," Viewpoints, Jan. 3]. But since the use of illicit drugs already is responsible for far more American deaths each year than terrorism has claimed, the idea of encouraging greater drug use by moving to make drugs more acceptable is terribly misguided. The problem isn't that brutal regimes are selling drugs; it's that people are buying them. If no one buys illicit drugs, terrorists can't profit from them. In a new world full of threats to our safety and well-being, many Americans are asking, "What can I do to make a difference?" Encouraging our kids to reject the use of illicit drugs as a way to dry up a source of profits for those who would finance global terrorism is a great start. We've already seen the success of such efforts: Regular use of cocaine has dropped 75 percent since 1985, and overall drug use in America is down roughly 40 percent over the same period. Perhaps not coincidentally, as drug use has plummeted, crime rates have as well. It's a shame those who favor the legalization of drugs are seeking to exploit the tragic events of Sept. 11 to advance their agenda. Let's hope that more Americans will adopt a more responsible approach to this subject. Stephen J. Pasierb Editor's Note: The writer is president and CEO of Partnership for a Drug-Free America. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom