PARALLEL BETWEEN PROHIBITION AND LEGAL DRUGS DOESN'T HOLD UP.(MAIN)

I write to respond to the recent remarks by U.S. Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders in which she called for the (study of) legalization of drugs as a means to reduce violent crime in America. Dr. Elders could not possibly be more wrong.

Many have incorrectly attempted to draw a parallel between the current war on drugs and Prohibition. They claim that just as lifting Prohibition reduced crime, so would legalizing drugs. This is pure, unadulterated nonsense.

First, while alcohol certainly is a drug and an often dangerous one, illicit drugs are much more destructive and deadly. Drugs like crack, cocaine, and LSD are undisputed killers. They are a menace to society, and to regard them as anything less is to ignore the facts and betray our future.

The crime related to drugs is not simply the result of the illegality of drugs, but also stems from the use of drugs. A grim reminder of this is offered in the tragic case of twelve year-old Polly Klaas of Northern California. Richard Allen Davis, who has been charged in her brutal abduction and murder, was apparently under the influence of illicit drugs when the crimes occurred. There are numerous other cases of violence and disaster resulting from illegal drugs.

Drugs are a particular threat to our young people, who constitute the future of this nation. At a time when programs like DARE are making strides in educating young people about the dangers of drugs, Dr. Elders statement sends a terrible, conflicting message to our country, particularly to students. President Clinton has done the same thing in the past. When a student at the June 16, 1992 televised MTV "Choose to Lose" forum asked, "If you had it to do over again, would you inhale (marijuana)?" The President responded, "Sure, if I could. I tried before," and he laughed. I don't think it's funny.

In conclusion, Dr. Elders statement is wantonly irresponsible. Our nation cannot give up in the war on drugs. The scourge of drugs constitutes at least as great, if not greater, a threat to our security and freedom as more tangible enemies of days past.

The way to achieve the goal of reducing drug-related crime is to stamp outdrug use. Through education and law-enforcement, we are trying to do that. Legalizing drugs would surely lead to more experimentation with drugs, more drug abuse, and more crime. For the sake of our future and young Americans, we cannot allow this to happen.

MICHAEL J. ELMENDORF II

Chairman

Town of Colonie Youth Bureau Advisory Board