NEW POLICY NEEDED TO DEAL WITH DRUG USE

I must say I agree completely with Nolan Finley's opinion, and it's
about time more people realize that this prohibition has to end
("We're fighting a losing war on drugs; it's time to rethink policy,"
Jan. 28). The time for legalization is now.

All decriminalization does is make it OK to possess drugs. It would
still be illegal to buy. Legalizing would greatly relieve our
overcrowded and overpriced prison system. Then all of that suddenly
extra money could be spent on things that matter, like schools and
awareness.

Legalization would also virtually make the black market drop off the
face of the Earth. Kids wouldn't be shooting each other in the
streets. When is the last time we heard of someone getting shot over a
six pack of beer? Never. Why? Because it's legal.

The fact is that this is a health problem, not a legal one. The day
will come, I believe, when this terrible war on ourselves will end.
Honesty and education are the keys. Thank you for that refreshing column.

Rob Soulliere, Fraser