Pubdate: Wed, 18 Jan 2012
Source: Sooke News Mirror (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Sooke News Mirror
Contact:  http://www.sookenewsmirror.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2142
Author: Scott Hilderley
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n031/a09.html

DON'T LET EVIL TRIUMPH

Re: Response to legal marijuana issue, Sooke News Mirror, Jan 11, 2012

Did I really just read a letter from someone in Colorado, suggesting 
the legalization of marijuana in Canada? We have made tremendous 
strides across the country, and especially right here in Sooke in 
recent years in terms of educating our youth to make smart, healthy 
choices for themselves, and it is paying dividends in our community. 
The writer's case for legalizing marijuana hinges on pointing out 
that it hasn't been directly responsible for anyone's death. Really? 
Is this the best measuring stick to apply? Is there actually anyone 
out there who thinks this is the basis for a good argument? Do we 
have to embrace something as a good choice, as long as it doesn't 
kill us? The next best argument that like-minded people have come up 
with is that marijuana isn't as bad as alcohol. Sorry, but that's an 
equally weak agenda to push.

Does anyone really buy into the notion that "the war on drugs has 
failed"  because you still see people using drugs, and tragedies 
occurring as a result?

Has the "war"  on theft failed, because you still see people 
stealing? Or the "war"  on speeding, because people still drive over 
the speed limit? How about the "war"  on littering? Should we just 
legalize everything and give up? It's been said that all that needs 
to occur in order for evil to triumph, is for good men and women to 
do nothing. If we start looking at legalizing marijuana, then we've 
taken one step in that direction. It means we're giving up. We have 
too many good men and women here to do that, and too many good kids 
who would be casualties as a result.

I know for a fact that the "war"  on drugs has not failed. There are 
kids right here in this community who say no to drugs every day. 
That's a victory. And it's one worth celebrating. Now, do I wish that 
drug use was an easier issue to deal with in terms of enforcement? 
Absolutely. But that doesn't mean that we stop trying. It just means 
we need to be smarter in trying.

In addition to the RCMP's drug prevention efforts (both reactive and 
proactive), there are a growing number of people right here in Sooke, 
who are actively working to help support kids in making smart 
choices. Let's teach our kids to make good decisions that will enable 
them to fulfill their potential. How? Great question. I'm glad you 
asked. It's easier than you may think. E-mail me at  and I'll fill you in. Giving up is not 
an option.

Scott Hilderley

RCMP's Drugs and Organized Crime Awareness Service
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom