Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jun 2007
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2007 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n733/a03.html?62116
Author: Steve Douglas

LEGALIZATION IS NOT ANSWER

I often hear opinions like those of Kirk Muse's June 18 letter, 
"Regulation reduces harm," suggesting that legalization and control 
of drugs would end many of the drug-associated problems.

I think their ideas are very short-sighted.

If illegal drugs were sold to the public, would that also include the 
most harmful like meth, crack cocaine, heroin, LSD, acid, etc.? Would 
they be available at all hours? Sold to minors and pregnant women? 
Who would care for all the addicts, no longer able to function or 
hold a steady job? How about restrictions on when and where these 
drugs would be possessed? Could an airline pilot carry them on a plane?

There would be a never-ending list of new restrictions to be 
enforced. When alcohol was legalized, did that stop the alcohol 
problems? Yet, there are those who suggest that legalizing much more 
harmful and addicting items would not create more problems. If 
legalizing drugs is the answer to solving our enforcement problems, 
then why not legalize theft, assault, weapons violations, etc.?

Legalization is not the answer.

Steve Douglass

Vancouver
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