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TO STOP DRUG VIOLENCE

The problem in Mexico is not drug use, the problem is prohibition; ( editorial Sunday, Feb.  22 ).

One example of its failure is Colombia.  After wasting $4 billion of taxpayer money, the U.S.  government pulled out.  There is absolutely nothing to prove the $4 billion did any good to stop cocaine.  We are to believe this is the answer to Mexico.

If any of our politicians were serious about ending the 60-year-old drug war, they would bring legalization to the debate.

A regulated, taxed product ( like alcohol ) would eliminate the profits for the cartels.  With New York's present economic problem, this could be a big help to the taxpayers.

When alcohol was moved from the black market to a regulated, taxed market, where it could be controlled, there were those who said the sky would fall.  Instead it soon created millions in taxes and a boost to employment.  New warehouses, drivers and a special line of delivery trucks were needed.

There are alcohol problems, but with alcohol we deal with abusers when we have to, not because they have a beer on them.

Decriminalization would be a cost savings as well as a revenue generator.

Larry Seguin

Lisbon