Pubdate: Wed, 24 May 2000 Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL) Copyright: 2000 The Sun-Times Co. Contact: 401 N. Wabash, Chicago IL 60611 Feedback: http://www.suntimes.com/geninfo/feedback.html Website: http://www.suntimes.com/ Author: Stephen Young A WAR WE CAN'T WIN While I can understand Mary Mitchell's anger at police corruption and drug-dealing gangs in her neighborhood [column, May 16], I don't understand why she supports the same old system of drug prohibition. If she took a step back, she might be able to see that is the root of the other problems. If it weren't for the massive profits available through drug prohibition, gangs would not be naturally drawn to the business of dealing. Despite the risks of selling on the streets, they gain the power and influence that drug dealing brings. Likewise, those same massive profits corrupt police. Most of the investigations into police corruption feature a common theme: money from illegal drugs. That's the way is was in Ford Heights and the Austin neighborhood a couple years ago, and apparently the way it is in Maywood and Bellwood now. By fighting illegal drugs, the best Mitchell and her neighbors can hope for is to push the problem into a different neighborhood. It will not just disappear. Stephen Young, Roselle - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk