EDITORIAL DISAPPOINTING - RCMP

Sir,

I was very disappointed in the tone of your editorial (Record, Wednesday,
Oct. 25) which leaves the impression that the so-called "War on Drugs" also
involves Canada. This is simply not true. Canada has never declared a war on
drugs.

In fact, Canada supports a multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary approach as
it is firmly believed that there is no single solution to this serious and
complex problem. The RCMP not only supports this point of view but has never
believed that enforcement is the only solution to reducing the negative
impacts drugs have on our communities.

It is clear however that the reduction in drug supply plays a significant
roll (sic) in creating an atmosphere where education and the reduction in
demand for drugs can occur and treatment can be most effective.

Clearly, the Canadian approach of prevention, education, enforcement,
treatment and counselling are the most likely to achieve long-term success
for drug-related issues.

I think that most members of the community will believe you are also
misguided in your assertion that drug use is a victimless crime and what an
adult person does with his or her own body in their home is no one else's
business. This notwithstanding, research supports the facts that if adults
use drugs in the home, there is a substantial increased usage level by their
children.

Drugs are dangerous and threaten the health, safety and well-being of not
only the user but also that of all citizens. If users don't work they become
a financial burden on their family and/or society and many become involved
in criminal activity. If they do work we pay in lost productivity, increased
absenteeism, increased medical and health insurance costs and increased
accidents, both on and off the job.

If a drug intoxicated driver kills or injures someone, is that "victimless"?
When drug abusers are abusive, violent or neglectful of their families, is
that "victimless"?

We must strike a balance between personal liberties and individual
responsibility. Proponents lose sight of the moral implications of
legalization. With lower prices and greater availability, drug use will
increase, especially among the most vulnerable youth, working poor and
chronically unemployed.

With use comes addiction. Addicts are enslaved to the drug itself and are
often constrained from holding meaningful employment, having stable,
productive relationships or exercising many of their own rights.

Crime, violence and drug use go hand in hand. The fact is that legalization
would not change the chemical make-up of drugs nor the impact they have on
behavior.

Barry Schneider
RCMP Drug Awareness Co-ordinator, Central/North Vancouver Island