Pubdate: Sat, 14 Sep 2002
Source: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (TX)
Copyright: 2002 The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Contact:  http://www.lubbockonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/841
Author: Quintella Davenport

KEEP THE WAR ON DRUGS

Re: The letter "Decriminalization Of Drugs" (A-J, 9-4).

Maybe the writer has not heard of all the problems with drinking and 
driving - all the millions of dollars that have been lost because of the 
"repeat offenders"' inabilities to control their habits. Also, all the 
lives lost or crippled because of drunken behavior; and, the child abuse 
connected with drugs and alcohol. Bipolar disease in children is directly 
connected to alcoholism.

Does the writer have statistics on the statement, "Prohibition on alcohol 
created more criminals than legalized alcohol?" So, let's legalize drugs so 
we can have more drug-impaired drivers on the road; and more babies born 
with multiple defects connected with drugs; increased crime to support the 
drug habits. There are no values to legalizing drugs!

As for Europe, I heard on radio a few years ago that Germany was having a 
real battle with alcoholism in the work place. Sorry, I don't want drug- 
and/or alcohol-impaired individuals giving my medication, working on or 
manufacturing my vehicle or an airplane I may want to travel on, etc.

There are those who have developed the idea that legalizing something makes 
it OK and solves the problem. History proves this thinking is incorrect.

QUINTELLA DAVENPORT

Slaton Via e-mail 
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MAP posted-by: Beth