LEGALIZE DRUGS TO LIMIT DAMAGE

I am saddened by the fear and loathing that surrounds the world of
drug users. I don't think drugs are a good thing. I do use one of the
two legal drugs -- alcohol -- in extreme moderation, but I have no
use for the others.

However, it is clear that the "war on drugs" has not and will not be
won, because we are fighting the wrong thing. By making criminals of
users, we have made it very difficult to treat them or assist them in
any way. We have not been able to stop the dealers -- we simply do
not have the resources.

How can we best help these people? Legalize these drugs, and sell
them as alcohol and tobacco are sold -- under restrictions, of
consistent quality and purity and taxed like mad.

Now, we will have the tax revenue to pay for the medical treatment
needed, police the system and to assist those who really need help.
We will also have a most potent tool for controlling the producers
and their middlemen -- the tax laws. Nailing criminal gangs for taxes
unpaid is simpler than nailing them for drug-dealing.

John A. Laidlaw

Victoria