To The Editor:

Attorney Charles Gardner should be congratulated for his courage in St.  Lawrence County Court this week when he criticized the harsh Rockefeller Drug laws, which will give a local man a mandatory prison sentence.  In the 11/28/00 article "Ogdensburg man sentenced to two to six years in prison for Coke" .  Mr.  Gardner was right on the mark when he stated that the Rockefeller drug laws are filling prisons with people like the Ogdensburg man, who really shouldn't be there.  His statement that "the war on drugs is failing" is a fact that this nation is starting to realize.

In November California voters approved a radical overhaul of the state's drug policies by passing Proposition 36.  The drug law measure sends first and second time non violent drug offenders into treatment instead of prison.  Governor Gary Johnson, New Mexico ( R ), the nations highest ranking official to openly oppose the war on drugs stated that " the war on drugs is a mind boggling failure.  It is the biggest issue in the country, and it is not being addressed."

It was very inspiring to see a man like Mr.  Gardener stand before Judge Nicandri and condemn the states harsh drug laws.

Lee Monnet, Ogdensburg, N.Y.