Pubdate: Wed, 22 Jun 2011 Source: Los Angeles Times (CA) Copyright: 2011 Los Angeles Times Contact: http://www.latimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248 Author: Colleen McCool DRUG WARS Re "Drug war: One cartel falls, another rises," Opinion, June 19 Great observations by William C. Rempel that obscene black-market profits ensure that illicit cartels put out of business are quickly replaced. The carnage and crime associated with illicit drugs are triggered by our demented, punitive policy. Notice that alcohol distributors no longer kill off the competition. We tolerate these salesmen. The people believe in self-government and self-medication. Drug abuse or addiction do not respond well to punitive laws. We should restore public and law enforcement safety around the globe, and use our resources to catch violent criminals and sexual predators or incarcerate those morally bankrupt people selling drugs to children or driving while intoxicated. Save lives instead of ruining them. Colleen McCool Stephenville, Texas - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.