Pubdate: Wed, 20 May 1998 Date: 05/20/1998 Source: Calgary Sun (Canada) Author: D.L. Harper YOU HAVE previously referred to Bill Kaufmann in your parenthetical comments as an idealist, but "War on drugs disastrous failure" (May 11) proves he is a realist who's done his homework. Your capitulation on this issue is a clear message the Sun is not willing to sacrifice the truth to maintain the slowly eroding status quo of prohibition. Supporting a repeal of these insidious laws reveals intelligence and pragmatism. Or is it just plain, old, common sense to abandon a sinking ship? D.L. Harper (We haven't surrendered to anyone.)