DRUGS ARE A HEALTH, NOT CRIME, ISSUE

Re: Two B.C. Men Executed To Settle Score, Sept. 29.

RCMP sources say the brutal shooting deaths of two Canadians recently
in the Mexican resort town of Puerto Vallarta almost certainly stemmed
from the never-ending violence in that country's drug war. Canadians
should face the facts. Illicit drugs are the cause of the gang
violence in this country, the United States, Mexico and many other
countries. 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 these countries.

Now's the time to consider the alternative -- decriminalization --
which would then allow us to approach this matter as a health concern,
not a criminal issue.

If nothing else, think of the revenue that would accrue to all levels
of governments, similar to cigarette and alcohol taxes. This is not to
suggest that legalizing illegal drugs would be risk-and problem-free.
But isn't it time to deprive drug lords and organized crime of the
huge profits realized from illicit drug use? For pecuniary reasons
alone, this should become a national priority and an excellent
opportunity for the Harper government to show leadership on the world
stage.

Emile Therien, Ottawa