Legalizing Drugs

* I find it interesting that the director of the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs would be so adamant about keeping the status quo regarding the failed policies of our war on drugs (Commentary, by Andrew Mecca, Dec. 13). As someone on the front line who sees the devastation that abuse and addiction cause on all of society, not just the unborn, one would think that he would welcome a change of priorities to the treatment side of abuse and addiction and away from the law enforcement side.

We had the explosion of drug use in the ‘70s partially because people stopped believing in the hysterical and unbelievable warning our government tried to bully us with regarding drug use. Now it seems that our officials can only beg the media and entertainment industries to somehow stop glorifying unsafe behaviors. The best programs that have reportable success rates all start with early childhood education and treatment. With all the laws on the books and all the resources drained toward interdiction, we still have the tragedies he so laments.

Prohibition as we still have it today feeds the unlawful and unregulated violence associated with the lucrative drug trade. Yes, drug use, including alcohol, is a major problem. But it’s time to end the war.

GARY W. GRAY

Costa Mesa