Consequences of Drug War

Here is a true story from the front lines of the drug war. A young man in our neighborhood worked as a carpenter on homes. He supplemented his income with money he earned from growing and selling marijuana to friends and friends of friends. He used this extra money to send his daughter to a private school, since the local public school was considered overcrowded and dangerous. The drug war eventually caught up with him. He was prosecuted and spent two years in a state prison. He is now free on probation. He is divorced, on welfare and cannot find a job because of his criminal record. His daughter is in public school, without any health insurance.

Three years ago this young, productive, family man was selling pot to his neighbors. The drug war converted this man into another welfare recipient who cannot support his family. The DEA investigation, the trial and the prison term cost taxpayers and his family over a half-million dollars.

Everyone in the neighborhood is asking, who is more dangerous to society? A man who grows and sells marijuana or a man with a criminal record who cannot get a job?

HERBERT FEINMAN

TODD FEINMAN

Venice

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The involvement of the U.S. in Colombia is a direct result of the irresponsible and downright stupid behavior of those who use drugs. In my opinion, there should be a war on the users. It is unfortunate that with all of the brainpower and money our government has, we don’t fight the problem at its source, the user.

DAVE FISCHER

Irvine