Pubdate: Mon, 07 Aug 2017
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Norman Favro
Page: A14

IMPOSE CAPITAL PUNISHMENT ON DRUG DEALERS AND SUPPLIERS

Re Top doctor calls for new drug approach,

Aug. 5 British Columbia recorded 935 deaths due to drug overdose in
2016 and the number is projected to be 1,400 by the end of 2017.
Approaches to this epidemic include the antidote naloxone, injection
sites, education, etc. These are fine, but do not address the real
problem, which is reducing drug availability by reducing the number of
dealers and suppliers.

Singapore and other counties have enacted laws that include capital
punishment for dealers and suppliers of illicit drugs. Draconian, yes,
but if we as a society have to choose between the deaths of dealers
who knowingly destroy lives and families or deaths of thousands of our
young adults, the decision is a no-brainer.

Singapore has one of the lowest rates of death by illicit drugs of any
country in the world. Its rehabilitation programs have a very low rate
of recidivism and it does so without safe injection sites.

I imagine that those who argue against capital punishment would view
things differently if their family fell prey to these purveyors of
death. Capital punishment is not to be taken lightly but, lacking any
alternative with teeth, we should consider the idea.

Decisions of this import should not be decided by a few politicians
who are adding to the problem by legalizing marijuana, but by referendum.

Norman Favro, Burlington
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MAP posted-by: Matt