Pubdate: Tue, 01 Nov 2011 Source: Sacramento Bee (CA) Copyright: 2011 The Sacramento Bee Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/0n4cG7L1 Website: http://www.sacbee.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376 Author: Geoffrey D. Webster Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n638/a08.html TIME TO DECRIMINALIZE DRUGS Re "To win drug war, cut demand" (Letters, Oct. 28): Kristi Anderson's recommendation to win the war on drugs by cutting demand just screams for a response due to its ignorance. Since time began on earth, it has been a basic need and quest of human beings to alter their senses. Making a drug illegal or preaching to someone of its evils will make zero difference. You could fill the entire Central Valley with prisons, and you still would have no impact. Until we wake up and decriminalize the use of all drugs as Portugal has done, we will continue to bankrupt this country. I have been a health care provider in our state prison system for almost 25 years. I make a lot of money. In the end, though, it's a shame. On a daily basis, I treat many sharp young people who should never have been locked up in the first place. Geoffrey D. Webster, Folsom - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom