Pubdate: Tue, 15 Aug 2017
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.torontosun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://torontosun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Norman Favro
Page: 14
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor.

DEATH TO DEALERS

British Columbia recorded 935 deaths due to drug overdoses in 2016 and
the number is projected to surpass 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 has enacted laws which 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 in the
world. Their rehabilitation programs have a very low rate of
recidivism and they do it 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. This is an area
where 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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(We understand your point but the death penalty isn't a solution. No
Parliament will ever pass it and no court will ever allow it)
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MAP posted-by: Matt