WAR AGAINST DRUGS LOST

"If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what
you've always got." The evidence is in. The war against drugs has been
lost, not only in Australia but in the US.

Even Asian countries with draconian penalties for both possession and
trafficking cannot say they have won.

If you agree with the above, then it follows something different is needed
to minimise the human suffering and economic waste created by the drug trade.

A new paradigm is needed which encompasses all substance abuse (especially
including alcohol) and is underpinned by the considerable research findings
on the behavioural and emotional variables leading to "at risk" activities.
When this new approach is developed into a convincing program, the
possibility for significant action will be created.

A vocal community and media interest will give us the courage to fight a
war we can win.

I.D. Simons, North Ryde, March 14.