ANTI-GANG STRATEGY IS A BUST

Stephen Harper's Conservatives have again demonstrated they are driven
by ideology rather than pragmatism (Tories Unveil Anti-Gang
Legislation - online, Feb. 26).

For decades, the United States has used harsh penalties, including
minimum sentences, in its war on drugs, which targets gang profits and
violence. This "war" is now 30 years old, has cost tens of billions of
dollars and put thousands of people in prison, yet drugs are more
plentiful, cheaper, more potent and more widely used in the U.S. than
ever.

It's time to stop pursuing America's failed policies and look at
decriminalizing and controlling the drug trade, as this would rob
gangs of their greatest source of profits.

Chris Dotson

Vancouver