CONSIDER LEGALIZING DRUGS

Re: Legal window dressing, March 3.

Regarding Al Yakimchuk's letter, I cannot understand why governments
aren't at least considering legalization of drugs -- after all,
everything tried in the last 95 years since the passing of the
Harrison Act (U.S.) has failed miserably. The U.S. has more people in
prison for drug offences than almost any other country, and yet drugs
are more accessible and cheaper than ever.

Yakimchuk's suggestion for longer and harsher prison sentences is
doomed to failure. I have read that in the 18th century in England,
pickpockets would work the crowds assembled to watch condemned
pickpockets being hanged.

It isn't only the Liberals and NDP who are pushing for repeal of drug
legislation. Police and judges are rapidly coming around to the idea
that drug prohibition just doesn't work, and causes much more misery
than it is worth.

MICHAEL DOWLING

Winnipeg