Healthy approach

Re “Europe’s drug antiwar,” Opinion, Oct. 12

I was encouraged to see Rick Steves’ report on how Europe’s common-sense-driven approach to dealing with addiction has resulted in fewer addicts, less personal and societal devastation and gobs of taxpayer money freed up to be spent on other, more pressing social needs. But our leaders can’t waste a second on considering this proven strategy because they’re overwhelmed trying to find a way to pay for universal healthcare. Hey, wait a second.

Juliet Hotchkiss

Oak Park, Calif.