Pubdate: Fri, 27 Aug 1999
Date: 08/27/1999
Source: Wall Street Journal (NY)
Author: David C. Fischer

In response to the demand vs. supply controversy about drugs discussed
in Mary Anastasia O'Grady's Aug. 20 Americas column "American
Coke-Heads Underwrite Colombia's Misery":

* Ms. O'Grady got it exactly right--our drug policies export our
social problems, causing disruption of Third World societies in a
degree far exceeding the harm that drug abuse causes in the U.S.
Faithful adherents of free-market economics must concede that any war
on drugs is unwinnable --the profit motive will always prevail over
any government attempt to squelch it--besides being contrary to the
principles of individual responsibility and freedom of choice.

David C. Fischer
Chappaqua, N.Y.