Pubdate: Thu, 10 Jun 1999
Date: 06/10/1999
Source: Vancouver Province (Canada)
Author: John Chase
Authors: John Chase
Note: Subject by editor

Mr. Chuvalo does not "support the war on drugs."

Rather, he has embarked on a crusade to warn kids about the dangers of
drug use.  There is a big difference.

The war on drugs in the U.S. is a war, and its objective is
abstinence.  It can't be won but is being fought as if it can.  As it
erodes our freedom, it allows - even causes - drug deaths to increase
dramatically.

Drug warriors in the U.S. - who have persuaded the people that
coercion will work - are so desperate to reduce drug use they point to
the well-intended crusade of Mr. Chuvalo because it provides them cover.

Your story suggests coercion is synonymous with Mr. Chuvalo's crusade,
and nothing could be further from the truth.

John Chase,
Palm Harbor, Fla.