Pubdate: Fri, 28 Dec 2007
Source: Amarillo Globe-News (TX)
Copyright: 2007 Amarillo Globe-News
Contact:  http://amarillonet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/13
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1488/a02.html
Author: Wayne C. Williams

DRUG LEGALIZATION ISN'T THE ANSWER

(Re: Dec. 21 guest column, "Drug prohibition: What cop learned from
years on front line," by Howard J. Wooldridge.)

I, too, work have worked in law enforcement for 32 years and am still
"in the trenches."

Woolridge says we should repeal current drug policies and laws,
creating a world where the state regulates the sale of all drugs and
narcotics.

Surely Wooldridge, while he was in law enforcement, has worked cases
where low-lifes commit crimes in order to feed their habit.

So Wooldridge thinks that if the state taxes drugs and regulates their
sale, the problem will go away.

I think not.

The craving for narcotics drives people to commit crimes. They steal,
prostitute themselves, lie and cheat to get their fix.

How many families have lost a loved one to these deadly
drugs?

Our state and Panhandle law enforcement officers do an outstanding job
of enforcing the law. We need to keep district attorneys James Farren
and Randall Sims, and their respective offices, busy prosecuting the
cases our police officers make.

Too many people use rehabilitation as a way to stay out of jail or
prison.

A person hooked on drugs won't get clean for his family, but only when
he hits rock bottom and wants help for himself.

Put addicts in jail where they belong and ease up on the probation,
which usually is a joke in itself.

Wayne C. Williams

Amarillo
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake