CRACKING THE DRUG PROBLEM

Re: "Courting common sense," (Feb. 13). A great editorial! There are lessons
to be learned from Canada's southern neighbour. During the '80s, New York
City applied the zero tolerance approach to crack cocaine. Meanwhile,
Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry was smoking crack and America's capital
had the highest murder rate in the country. Crack use declined in both
cities simultaneously after the younger generation saw what crack was doing
to their older peers. This is not to say no action is needed. Access to
substance abuse treatment is critical. Diverting resources away from prisons
and into treatment would save tax dollars and lives.

Robert Sharpe

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.

(And victims.)