Pubdate: Wed, 05 Jul 2006 Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL) Copyright: 2006 The Sun-Times Co. Contact: http://www.suntimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81 Author: Robert Sharpe Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n831/a07.html MISGUIDED DRUG POLICIES Columnist Robert Novak is seemingly incapable of applying basic economic principles to drug policy [''Dems balk at support for Colombia's drug war,'' June 26]. As long as there is a demand for drugs, there will be a supply. Destroy the Colombian coca crop and production will boom in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. Destroy every last plant in South America and domestic methamphetamine production will increase to meet the demand for cocaine-like drugs. Instead of waging a futile supply-side drug war abroad, we should be funding cost-effective drug treatment here at home. Robert Sharpe, policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin