Should illegal drug users be executed? Seem like an over-the-top punishment for a "victimless" crime? Or is it? Several years ago illegal fireworks on Jump-Off Joe kindled a brush fire. Benton County firefighters responded and in the process of controlling the fire one of the firetrucks overturned and a firefighter was killed. The person found guilty of lighting the fireworks was prosecuted because his illegal act of lighting the fireworks was indirectly responsible for the fatality.

Illegal drug use in this country is indirectly responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people killed by the so called drug cartels fighting to control the supply of drugs to satisfy the demand in this country. So, how many more people have to die because of drug use in this country? Without the continued demand for the drugs, there would be no drug cartels. The "War on Drugs" in the U.S. is a colossal failure as more and more drugs come across our border from Mexico.

China used executions to put a stop to the British sponsored opium addictions in the late 19th century. The philosophy of let the punishment fit the crime makes it seem like it's time to take a serious look at providing more than a slap on the wrist for the average drug user.

Dennis Carlyle, Kennewick