Pubdate: [Sun, 08 Sep 1996]
Source: Spokesman-Review, Spokane (WA)
Author: Johanna Wools

I understand some members of the National Guard are excited about Bob
Dole's new plan to combat drug smuggling. It will give some of them the
opportunity to earn plenty of extra spending money. Just think how much the
drug traffickers would be willing to pay a few sergeants or lieutenants to
help protect the shipment of drugs across our borders.

Even if drug interdiction at the border was successful, it would only lead
to an increase in domestic production of such *substitute* drugs as
methamphetamine. Marijuana is now, arguably, the number one cash crop in
the U.S.

The war on drugs will be won one way, and one way only. It will be won when
we realize that the prohibition of illicit drugs is a failure.  A far
greater number of people die each year as a result of the violence
associated with the drug trade than die from their use of these drugs.

Sincerely,
Johanna Wools