War on Drug-Related Crime Pays

* It was most encouraging to see some fresh coverage on such a controversial issue as our “war on drugs” (Dana Parsons’ column, “Conscientious Objectors Protest the War Against Drugs,” Jan. 29). Equally encouraging was to learn that Judge James P. Gray has maintained his convictions and continues to speak out for major changes in the way we view this debilitating social issue. William F. Buckley Jr.’s continued endorsement also provides room for optimism.

However, a troubling and persistent observation which comes to my mind whenever this topic is resurrected relates to the political realities that compel influential people like the Rev. Robert Schuller to waffle overnight in their opinions regarding decriminalization. If I recall correctly, the last time this issue got serious coverage some time ago, Schuller was quick to join many others in endorsing the efforts by Judge Gray. That was, however, until Orange County Sheriff Brad Gates got the ear of the good reverend, prompting Schuller to have an immediate change of heart.

I’ve often wondered what scholarly words of wisdom were offered by Gates to convince Schuller that he had been too quick and naive. I wonder if political reality led to a discussion of megabucks as it relates to asset forfeiture sharing by law enforcement agencies at all levels. The disbursement of millions of dollars in property and money seized from “bad guys” involved in drug-related crimes provides a lucrative source of income for budget-strapped agencies, especially in Orange County. And simplistic as it may sound, I wonder if the specter of potential massive budget cuts resulting from a significant decrease in drug-related crimes could have been a concern for our sheriff.

Perhaps we may never know what led to such a quick reversal on the part of Schuller. Hopefully, people of stature such as the good reverend and the concerned sheriff will have another change of heart after some serious introspection and objective analysis of the moral and social crisis created by our current approach to our war on drugs.

ANDREW M. YAGER

Westminster