Pubdate: Tue, 09 Mar 2004 Source: Vermilion Standard (CN AB) Copyright: 2004 Vermilion Standard Contact: http://www.vermilionstandard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/776 Author: Rob Rubuliak Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) EDUCATION IS THE KEY IN DRUG ISSUE Dear editor, Vermilion Standard - I feel compelled to reply to, and question, Mr. Randell's opinion about drug legalization as printed in the February 24th edition of The Standard. Having completed a degree in Criminology, I understand how people like Mr. Randell distort and misuse social harm theories to argue for the legalization of certain drugs - specifically marijuana. As a police officer, I see the effect that drug use and abuse (including alcohol) have on our community. As the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officer in our local elementary schools, I correct the misconceptions of impressionable grade 6 students (11-12 years old) who have heard or read other people's opinions that marijuana will be legalized, that marijuana is an effective method of relieving pain, and that marijuana is good for you. Having absentee family members stolen from me because of alcohol abuse, I understand that arguing for marijuana legalization because of our "successes" with alcohol is absurd. And finally, as the father of two children, I want the next generation to understand the truth about drug use and abuse and it's true negative effects on society, safety, and security, productivity at work, health, and perhaps most importantly, family. Using marijuana, like all other drug abuse, is not a victimless crime. Mr. Randell stated that "nearly all the harm inflicted by illegal drugs ... is because those drugs are illegal." Marijuana preponents who argue that legalizing marijuana will cause less harm to society is like a car thief who argues for the legalization of car theft. I recently heard a B.C. Provincial Court Judge state that when she opens the doors to her courtroom on Monday morning, a tidal wave of alcohol rolls in. Our society is nowhere near conquering our failings with alcohol, let alone tackling marijuana and other drugs. I don't have the answers to the ongoing drug debate. I do know, however, that after years of police work, I can simplistically, yet confidentally, state that people are generally at their worst and cause the most harm to themselves, their families, and our community when they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Both sides of the drug debate do agree on one matter - that education and awareness should remain in the forefront. I applaud the Town of Vermilion F.C.S.S. for organizing the well-attended drug information session for parents where the true facts were discussed. I encourage parents and other family members to visit the Community Health office in the Provincial Building to learn more about drug abuse. And I caution everyone that in the ongoing drug debate, there is a large discrepancy between opinion and fact. Cst. Rob Rubuliak, Vermilion RCMP - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager