Pubdate: Mon, 21 Apr 2008
Source: Asheville Citizen-Times (NC)
Copyright: 2008 Asheville Citizen-Times
Contact:  http://www.citizen-times.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/863
Author: Charity Harris

LET'S THINK LONG AND HARD BEFORE LEGALIZING DRUGS

Many efforts have been made to battle the growing issue with drug 
trafficking and substance abuse, including drug legalization. But do 
people really see how this legalization could affect people in 
positions that deal with public safety? Not to say that those in 
these various types of positions are narcotics users, but all 
situations have to be considered. A person's judgment, in a position 
where they carry a weapon, could be significantly altered or impaired 
after the use of certain drugs. Other positions include those that 
would greatly affect the public's safety, like transportation drivers 
or pilots. Many could not realize that a drug, one like marijuana, 
could stay in a person's system up to 24 hours after inhalation and 
could affect their judgment. Also, what message are we sending to the 
younger generation; that it is okay to use drugs? And will this just 
simplify their gaining access to drugs, when they could now be kept 
in the home by a parent or of-age sibling?

Many other questions should be taken into consideration before the 
legalization of drugs becomes a possibility.

Charity Harris
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