PROTECT YOUTH

To the Editor,

Reading the letter,"Drug Wars"written by Robert Sharpe, printed in
the June 5 edition of your paper, has prompted me to reply. The point
of his letter appears to be that the drug war does't fight crime, it
fuels crime.

I recently read an article written by a young journalist who detailed
some of her own experiences regarding the youth drug culture.

In part she stated;

"I don't support legalizing any mind-altering drugs because of three
main reasons: personal experience,the untimely deaths of some close
friends due to drug abuse, and obsevations as a journalist. I was 14
years old when Bert handed me and my friends our first dobbies. We
toked the gateway drug that would lead to stranger and stronger
mind-bending indulgences. Bert was dead at the age of 22-years-old
from a drug overdose. It is a fact that marijuana is often a gateway
drug for vulnerable teenagers and young adults. Mind-altering drugs
including THC, the active ingredient in marijuana are chemicals that
pollute the human brain. Doing life "clean and sober" is a natural
high with no regrets."

Why should we hesitate in trying to control the use of mind altering
drugs, including marijuana? If we decriminalize or legalize mind
altering drugs, are we not telling our youth that using dangerous
drugs, including marijuana is no big deal? They must be OK because
they are legal.

Is the move to legalize mind altering drugs motivated by the wealth
which will be created for some?

Others may end up in a"life worse than death". Let's protect our youth.

Do we care?

Eric Myrholm

Abbotsford, B.C.

Letter-writer's Note: The young journalist I refer to is Trudy Beyak,
Abbotsford News, 2006-03-14th edition. This was an article whch I
feel covers a very difficult topic of great importance.