PROVIDING REHAB, JOBS FOR ADDICTS BEST SOLUTION

Editor, the Tribune:

I will be 48 years old this week, and the "war on drugs" has been going on
now for as long as I can remember. Seems to me that it is about time we
rethink our tactics. Why don't we as a nation spend our tax dollars on
healing the addicted rather than risking lives by waging a war against the
drug suppliers in Peru or Colombia. If we attack the problem by eliminating
the demand for drugs by treating those who are addicted, we would be
healing our own people and helping our society by reducing the crimes
associated with illegal drug use at the same time. Giving hope to those who
seek solace in the form of a narcotic by providing job training and a job
paying a livable wage afterward would also be in the best interest of all
of us in this society. Simply jailing offenders and waging a military-type
war in some other country has not worked. I do not think it will next year
or the year after that either. Heck, putting aside all of the good that
would result from healing those of us who are addicted, we just might save
some money with this tack vs. the one we are using now. What do you think.

Paul Steeno

3708 Woodridge Court