LEGALIZING DRUGS WON'T SOLVE GANG PROBLEM

To the editor:

In his Oct. 7 column, Vin Suprynowicz explains to the citizens who are
unfortunate enough to live in neighborhoods plagued by gang violence that
the answer to their problems is simply "to legalize drugs." He states that
these citizens "whine" about wanting more of a police presence instead of
changing the laws to make drugs legal.

Although drug sales have indeed been a part of the gang violence that occurs
throughout the country, it is by no means the only reason for gang violence.
Hate, revenge for past wrongs, jealousy, a sense of belonging, turf and
disrespect are factors involved in gang violence. The breakdown of the
family, lack of education and inability to obtain and hold a decent job also
contribute heavily to young people joining criminal gangs.

It is hard to imagine how legalizing substances such as crack cocaine,
heroin, PCP and marijuana -- thus encouraging or at least condoning their
use -- will solve the gang problem. Those people who choose to use these
debilitating drugs have even less chance of maintaining a family life,
obtaining and education or of holding a decent job.

Perhaps after Mr. Suprynowicz has lived in a neighborhood that is being
victimized by gang violence, that has had 15 murders involving gang members
in less that a year and is frequented by drug addicts who commit every type
of crime to support their habits, he could indeed become an expert on gang
violence and offer an even more detailed plan to help the neighborhood,
other than simply legalizing drugs.

Jim Owens, Las Vegas