REGULATE IT

Vancouver RCMP Cpl. Scott Rintoul's enthusiastic reaction to a study
suggesting that long-term, chronic ecstasy use may exacerbate memory
loss is revealing. His attitude shows that the RCMP are more
interested in sustaining their perpetual war on drugs than reducing
drug- and prohibition-related harm.

However, there is nothing contradictory in recognizing the harm
caused by drug abuse while arguing for legalization and regulation.
No matter how harmful the drug, prohibiting it just makes it more
harmful.

We have more control over cornflakes than we do the so-called
controlled drugs and substances.

The more dangerous the substance, the less it makes sense to abdicate
its manufacturing and distribution to organized criminals. These
crooks then cheerfully sell an assortment of drugs of unknown origin,
potency and purity to anyone of any age, any time, anywhere -- no
questions asked.

Matthew Elrod,

Victoria