Pubdate: 12 Feb 1999 Source: Orange County Register (CA) Copyright: 1999 The Orange County Register Contact: http://www.ocregister.com/ Section: Metro, page 9 Author: Bob Hart-Tustin FORGET THE DRUG WAR The administration released a new plan to fight illegal drugs ["Anti-drug strategy released," News, Feb. 9]. I find it offensive that the federal Government is going to spend $18 billion this year to get rid of those evil drug dealers. It would not surprise me to find out someday that the dealers of illegal drugs have a lobby in Washington to keep the enforcement of drug laws as strong as it is. If people with common sense thought about drug prohibition a little, they would conclude the laws are causing all of the problems they're supposed to prevent. When was the last time you were assaulted by someone needing the money to buy booze? Take the $18 billion and give it to the Congress as a bribe to repeal the current drug policy. Then the dealers will be off the streets and out of business. We'll be safe again. Bob Hart Tustin - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake