LEGALIZING DRUGS IS NO SOLUTION

If anyone thinks that legalizing drugs is the solution, consider the following:

1. The fact that alcohol is legal does not mean that people do not
abuse it by using it in excess. There is also underage drinking, and
thousands of lives are lost every year due to alcohol accidents. Also
moonshiners and bootleggers have not been eliminated even though
alcohol is legal.

2. If drugs that are illegal become legalized, we will likely see an
increase in abuse. Also, even if these drugs were taxed, would it be
enough to pay for the extra legislation and manpower required? If
illegal drugs were used as widely as alcohol is now, we would most
likely have more deaths and injuries resulting from misuse.

3. Before we even consider legalizing these drugs, we should ask
ourselves if we would want a close family member or friend to use
these drugs even in small doses.

Granted illegal drug use has not been eliminated, but I say that the
answer is to continue educating everyone, especially children about
the harmful effects that these drugs have and to provide alternatives
for them. If fewer people buy drugs in the first place, that may
discourage would-be pushers. I for one am thankful that I was
educated in the dangers of illegal drugs and as a result I never used them.

Carl E. Graham, Largo