Pubdate: Mon, 16 Dec 2002
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: J. McRee (Mac) Elrod

DRUG WAR HAS COLLATERAL DAMAGE

Re: "Weaker pot low chokes B.C. Minister," Dec. 12.

The article quotes Solicitor General Rich Coleman as saying "I want to go 
out and fight the war on drugs because it's hurting our kids ..."

He  is  absolutely  correct.  The war on drugs is hurting our kids, by 
artificially  creating  a  lucrative  market for drugs which motivates 
pushers  to  entice  our  children  and  grandchildren  into drugs. My 
granddaughters  can  purchase  either  pot  or  crack more easily than 
nicotine or alcohol.

We need to not only fight against, but end, the war on drugs before it 
does  more  damage  to our kids -- as well as to our elders because of the 
home invasions to get the money for an expensive fix.

In  European  countries practising harm-reduction methods, the average 
age  of addicts is rising. In North America, where the war on drugs is 
being waged, the average age of addicts is dropping rapidly.

Yes, the war on drugs if very much "hurting our kids."

J. McRee (Mac) Elrod,

Metchosin.
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