Pubdate: August 16, 1999
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 1999 Los Angeles Times.
Contact:  (213) 237-4712
Website: http://www.latimes.com/
Forum: http://www.latimes.com/home/discuss/
Author: Eric Weese
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99.n820.a13.html

DRUG SOLUTIONS

Re "U.S. Is Losing War on Drugs in Colombia," Aug. 8: I do not understand
why we blame the Colombians for growing more poppies.

The fault lies with the geniuses in our country and overseas who use the
drugs; it is the same mentality that blames the tobacco companies for
people's smoking.

It is the individual's responsibility. The right wing solution would be to
put all users in detox camps and shoot the dealers and hope for the best;
the left wing solution would be to legalize drugs and hope for the best.
Either way we should know by now that you cannot legislate against human
weakness or behavior, but one might be able to take the profit out of it.
Nah, this is just wishful thinking.

ERIC WEESE
Canoga Park

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