Advice From Dear Abby

PUBLIC FIGURES & DRUGS July 1994

"Dear Mr Pottratz: Just as bootleggers were forced out of business in 1933 when Prohibition was repealed, making the sale of liquor legal (thus eliminating racketeering), the legalization of drugs would put drug dealers out of business.

It would also guarantee government-approved quality, and the tax on drugs would provide an ongoing source of revenue for drug-education programs. An added plus: There would be far less crowding in our prisons due to drug-related crimes. It's something to consider." (Abigail Van Buren, "Legalized Drugs an Idea to Consider", Los Angeles Times, 5/3/94, E4).

[To express your view, write Dear Abby at: P.O. Box 38923, Hollywood, CA 90038]