CONTROL DRUGS, DON'T BAN THEM

Dear Editor:

Re: Society must take a stand on drug use (July 19).

What exactly constitutes "taking a stand" on drug use? More
enforcement?

Our southern neighbours have bullied other sovereign nations,
including Canada, into following their failed prohibitionist policies
- - based on fear, ignorance and racism - for the past 100 years.

The result? Illegal drugs are more available than ever, especially to
youth. Prisons are overflowing because of crime related to the drug
trade. Drugs continue to provide the life-blood for organized crime.
And drug production politically destabilizes countries such as
Colombia and Afghanistan.

It is time for Canada to model public-health based policies of drug
control (such as those recommended by the Health Officers Council of
BC in an October 2005 report) with a system of regulation, taxation
and controlled distribution.

KENNETH TUPPER

Vancouver