Pubdate: Sun, 18 Feb 2007
Source: Langley Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Langley Times
Contact:  http://www.langleytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1230
Author: Monique Tirshman

MANY REPERCUSSIONS TO SUCH A MAJOR DECISION

Editor: This is a response to the letters in the Feb. 14 issue of The Times.

They call for legalizing meth. Are these letter writers serious?

I suppose then, if we are to consider legalizing this destructive 
drug, we may as well throw in all the other highly addictive, 
dangerous and deadly drugs as well. Heroin should probably get thrown 
in there -- so many people use it and are addicted to it now -- let's 
just make it that much easier for people to get hooked.

What a great idea. If I'm in a particularly adventurous mood, and 
feel like playing Russian Roulette, I can just walk into the drug 
store and buy.

Or maybe heroin or crystal meth should be regulated, and  given out 
by prescription only. I can just envision going into my doctor's 
office, asking for a perscription for crystal meth, because I'd like 
to just try it.

Give it a whirl, what the heck.

Some merit could be given to the theory that, if these drugs were 
legal, there would be no profit to being a dealer or having a meth lab.

But legalizing these drugs will not solve the problem of people 
getting addicted, nor will it stop the next "bigger and better" high 
someone is bound to create.  It would send the wrong message -- that 
if it's legal, it must be okay. What does that tell my children?

The addiction to these drugs has destroyed so many lives, ruined so 
many families and friendships, and caused so many deaths -- directly 
and indirectly.  These are not drugs to be taken lightly. It cannot 
be compared to having liquor stores -- these chemicals can kill you 
on your first try, addict you within one or two uses.

A greater availablity means more addicts, which affects our welfare 
system, medical system and mental health system -- areas already 
under strain. It will not make the drugs cheaper, thereby will not 
stop the addict with no income from committing crimes to get money 
for his next fix.

As easy as the 'legalization' solution may seem, there is a much 
larger picture to be considered.

Monique Tirshman.

Langley
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