Pubdate: Wed, 19 Sep 2007 Source: Pilot Independent, The (MN) Copyright: 2007 The Pilot Independent Contact: http://www.walkermn.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3480 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1056/a01.html Author: Kirk Muse THE FAILING WAR ON DRUGS I'm writing about Eric Sjolin's thoughtful letter: "The failing War on Drugs" Sept. 12. I agree that the so-called war on drugs is a complete failure in preventing drug use or in reducing the harms from recreational drugs. However, the drug war is very successful in creating taxpayer paid jobs for the so-called drug warriors. The goal of the drug war is not victory. The DEA is a huge bureaucracy. And like all bureaucracies its real goal is its continuation and expansion. Without marijuana prohibition we would need far fewer so-called drug warriors like DEA agents and no jail or prison builders. Without marijuana prohibition many DEA agents would be looking for a job or washing cars for a living. Kirk Muse Mesa, Ariz. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom