Drug War a Failure; Users Subsidize Crimes

* The Times’ stance against Prop. 36 is wrong (editorial, Oct. 29). Is there anybody out there who thinks the war on drugs is working? Have I got a bridge to sell you.

In the beginning the war on drugs focused on rehabilitation, and it was working. The focus was changed and lots and lots of prisons were built and filled. In the process the Bill of Rights was trampled into the dust.

After 30 years of this crazy nonsense it is time for a change. Rehabilitation works. It is 70% effective. Jail is not effective; it doesn’t work. The police don’t want to lose their cash cow. Make a change. Vote yes on Prop 36. I am a 53-year-old voter.

GARY GALL

Cambria

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Much of the propaganda in favor of Prop. 36 revolves around the concept of the “nonviolent” drug offender. In reality, however, there is no such person. It must not be forgotten that drug users are drug purchasers, and drug purchasers are accessories to enormous amounts of violence. Their money goes to subsidize a wide array of crimes here and abroad--from local home-invasion robberies to the assassination of Mexican prosecutors. This flow of drug money creates a staggering number of innocent victims as well as widows and orphans.

Even though American drug users usually don’t pull the triggers in these crimes, they are paying for them and they have to accept partial responsibility for them.

This is not to detract from the need and desirability of treatment programs. On the other hand, to remove punishment from those whose actions cause so much harm, even indirectly, is a grave disservice to them as well as to all law-abiding citizens.

MARTIN G. ROSENBLATT MD

Los Angeles