Bush Visit to Drug Site
Your April 17 editorial (“Bennett’s Drug Plan”) suggested that drug czar William Bennett’s drug plan should be focused on reducing drug demand rather than punishing its suppliers and users. This reminds me of other vague suggestions for reducing crime by eliminating its “root causes” (poverty intolerance, etc.) We will never succeed in reducing crime (including illegal drug usage) until we realize as a nation that the real cause of crime and use of illegal drugs is selfishness.
Japan and other countries that have much greater success in this regard understand that the basic cause of crime is not external circumstances but is the individual’s and society’s response thereto. Once understood, criminal conduct will not be tolerated by society and we won’t be sidetracked by never-ending attempts to eliminate its “root cause.”
Prompt and reasonably certain punishment is the only cure for crime and is always successful if supported by society.
GEORGE KINKLE
San Marino
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
