ENDING ADDICTION

As I have watched the increasing and horrific violence and murders in
Mexico related to the drug cartels, I have to ask, is it not time that
we try something different? The "war on drugs" is not working on
either side of the border.

Legalization of drugs would result in the ability to control the
quality and quantity of drugs and to eliminate shared-needle disease,
much drug-related crime and the growth of the prison industry. The
money saved could support drug rehab treatment.

The best defense against drug addiction is early, honest and
consistent education from home and school. Other incentives to avoid
drug use could be drug-free work places and consequences for driving
under the influence that would be applied to all with non-negotiable
penalties.

As long as the profit motive for illegal drugs is what it is today, no
matter how many members of the drug cartel you take out there will
always be 1,000 waiting in line to take over. And that is true on both
sides of the border.

How about embracing American freedom of choice and personal
responsibility for the consequences of that choice?

Suzanne Jensen

Salt Lake City