CONSIDER THE ALTERNATIVE

Re: "Drug trade at heart of violence" (Feb. 27). Canadians should
face the facts. Illicit drugs, indeed, are the cause of the gang
violence. Illicit drugs have been with us forever and will be with us
long into the future. The so-called war on drugs, at an outrageous
economic and social cost, will simply not reduce the flow into and
use of illegal drugs in Canada. As such, it is now time to consider
the alternative in this country, namely, approaching this matter on a
national basis as a health concern and not a criminal issue.

Is decriminalization the way to the future? Are governments and
citizens up to this challenge? If nothing else, think of the revenues
that would accrue to all levels of governments.

This is not to suggest that legalizing illegal drugs would be problem
free; but it is time to deprive drug lords and narcostates of the
huge, tax-free profits realized from illicit drug use.

The nefarious consequences of America's war on drugs -- fuelled by
political grandstanding, opportunism, media hype, emotion and racism
- -- permeates every facet of life in that country.

Can we not learn something from our southern neighbours? Do we really
want to mimic this U.S. experience?

EMILE THERIEN

OTTAWA

(Approaching illegal drug use as a health concern? That's not going
to happen any time soon.)