Pubdate: Fri, 13 May 2005
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Eric Myrholm
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

LEGALIZATION OF DRUGS IS NO SOLUTION TO GROWING PROBLEM

THE EDITOR:

In your May 6 edition, the letter 'Prohibition more costly than drugs 
themselves,' presents the case that seems to support supplying heroin 
addicts with free heroin.

Would we also supply free liquor to alcoholics? Free pharmaceuticals? Where 
would it stop? Crimes such as murder, robbery and driving infractions have 
been with us for many years. The numbers are increasing yearly in spite of 
increased resources. Should we throw our hands up and say: "It's no use, 
let them do what they will."

Drug addicts are not in control of their actions. To save them from 
themselves and a life worse than death,would it not make sense to force 
them into a secure institution for treatment?

There is a Bill C-17 that would decriminalize marijuana. The move for the 
decriminalization of marijuana equates to legalization to a very high 
percentage of our youth.Is this what we want for our youth?

In the past I have attended [as an observer] "smoke-ins at the lake" hosted 
by a local pro-marijuana apologist who has run for municipal office and is 
now running in the provincial election. Many of the attendees taking part 
appeared to be under the age of 16. When this fact was brought to the 
attention of a participating adult, the comment was that there was nothing 
he could do about the situation because it had nothing to do with him.

What motivation do our young people have to say "no" when supposedly caring 
adults, some politicians, senators and community leaders appear to sanction 
the mind-altering drug of marijuana? Do we care?

Eric Myrholm

Abbotsford 
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman