KNOWLEDGE IS PARAMOUNT

Dear Editor:

Re: Saving people or money? (Coast Reporter, Nov. 9th '07)

Thank you Stephanie Douglas, for a well documented article regarding the
recent meeting the community had with retired judge Jerry Paradis and
retired police officer Tony Smith from Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
(LEAP). It is difficult to pick up a paper and not see articles regarding
drugs, youth and violence. We are inundated with news, often leaving us
bewildered and frustrated not knowing what to do and who to believe. RCMP
are being shot, young people are dying.

Can we provide answers to these regrettable carnages? Surprisingly, we can
look to the Internet to provide some direction. There are many
organizations that can help the public in creating well-funded support
systems, addiction services and programs that can offer alternatives to the
failed drug policies we now have in place.

Fear does not have to be our prime motivator. Knowledge and education about
these issues is paramount to a progressive society. We have a unique
community on the Sunshine Coast, let us be leaders and provide information
to our families that keep our children safe as well as knowledgeable!

Judith Renaud, Gibsons