Drug War

The author of your editorial is free to buy and consume unlimited amounts of fat, alcohol and tobacco, and then suffer or die from heart, liver and lung disease. Why then should he not be free to buy and consume drugs and suffer or die from brain disease?

Responsible people will not become drug addicts. Those who are not, will, just like gluttons, alcoholics and nicotine fiends.

Taxpayers should not provide free room and board to convicted drug dealers and permit the rest to live in tax-free luxury. Our ethical drug makers and licensed druggists should be free to make and sell properly prepared, packaged and taxable products.

KENNETH Z. LAUTMAN

Los Angeles