Pubdate: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 Source: Amarillo Globe-News (TX) Copyright: 2005 Amarillo Globe-News Contact: http://amarillonet.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/13 Author: Dean Becker DRUG WARRIORS LEARN NOTHING DURING PAST 90 YEARS Your March 23 editorial, "Meth dangers far outweigh illogical claims of legalization," states that "(m)ethamphetamine is everywhere," and you rally for the continuation of this 90-year-old policy that now ensures our children have "convenient" access to drugs. Those who support our current drug war are in effect mandating the continuance of the financial bonanza that nourishes terrorist organizations, drug cartels and street corner vendors, who annually rake in a total of $500 billion worldwide. It is because of drug prohibition (in effect, the world's largest multi-level marketing organization), that we have problems of overdose deaths, the spread of AIDS and Hepatitis C, violent gangs and easy access to drugs for our children. Surveys indicate that more than 100 million Americans have used illegal drugs at some point in their lives. Would it not be more prudent to educate our young, treat our addicts and respect the rights of adults to choose their own intoxicant? There would be lots of room in prison for those who sold drugs to children. Do you suppose another 90 years of drug war will accomplish your goals? DEAN BECKER Drug Truth Network Houston - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFLorida)