Cardinal Posadas
The death of Cardinal Juan Jesus Posadas Ocampo is just another example of how stupid our war on drugs is (“Mexico Cardinal Slain; Caught in Gun Battle,” May 25). His death, like many others labeled a casualty in the drug war, appears to be the result of fighting not for the drugs themselves, but for the enormous profits which can be made from illegal substances. It’s time to make these substances available, taxed, and strictly regulated.
Once this is done we will: take the profit out of selling illegal drugs; effectively shut down the drug cartels and street dealers overnight; stop the killings over drug turfs; free police, courts and prisons for violent offenders; have money for clinics and drug treatment centers, and even assist in stabilizing the democracies of Central and South America, which we have helped to destabilize through our failed drug policies.
DAVID P. GAYDOS
Manhattan Beach
* I am shocked at the machine-gun deaths of Guadalajara’s archbishop and six other innocents. When “Mafia-style killings are commonplace,” it’s time for some serious gun laws in Mexico. What? Private ownership of firearms is illegal in Mexico, and carries lengthy prison terms for any violation? As Emily Litella would say, “Never mind!”
JAMES DOWNS
Los Angeles
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