Bob Page, "Execute Drug Dealers," Letters, Jan. 6) is right -- illegal drugs do kill people. So do cigarettes, alcohol and prescription drugs, all of which are classified as "legal." The truth is, legal drugs are responsible for more deaths of people I know than illegal drugs.

I am certain those who have lost loved ones through murder would take offense to Page's comparison of a murderer and a drug dealer. In 99.9 percent of those murdered, the victim did not seek out the murderer with the intention of getting "high" or "a fix."

A drug user must first seek out the dealer as they are not located in retail establishments, as in the case of "legal" drugs. Then these so-called victims of the drug dealers must make arrangements for purchase, secure the funds, risk the dangers of being caught, then self-administer the drug.

People do kill people, but murder victims are unwilling victims and drug deaths are usually because of a very willing participants. I can't call them victims, but I do have sympathy as addiction is addiction.

Reducing the number of users of dangerous, life-threatening substances by having programs available to treat addiction of any kind is the answer. Fostering healthy relationships with those we love could also help!

BOB CRAWFORD, Kennewick