DON'T LET EVIL TRIUMPH

Re: Response to legal marijuana issue, Sooke News Mirror, Jan 11, 2012

Did I really just read a letter from someone in Colorado, suggesting
the legalization of marijuana in Canada? We have made tremendous
strides across the country, and especially right here in Sooke in
recent years in terms of educating our youth to make smart, healthy
choices for themselves, and it is paying dividends in our community.
The writer's case for legalizing marijuana hinges on pointing out
that it hasn't been directly responsible for anyone's death. Really?
Is this the best measuring stick to apply? Is there actually anyone
out there who thinks this is the basis for a good argument? Do we
have to embrace something as a good choice, as long as it doesn't
kill us? The next best argument that like-minded people have come up
with is that marijuana isn't as bad as alcohol. Sorry, but that's an
equally weak agenda to push.

Does anyone really buy into the notion that "the war on drugs has
failed" because you still see people using drugs, and tragedies
occurring as a result?

Has the "war" on theft failed, because you still see people
stealing? Or the "war" on speeding, because people still drive over
the speed limit? How about the "war" on littering? Should we just
legalize everything and give up? It's been said that all that needs
to occur in order for evil to triumph, is for good men and women to
do nothing. If we start looking at legalizing marijuana, then we've
taken one step in that direction. It means we're giving up. We have
too many good men and women here to do that, and too many good kids
who would be casualties as a result.

I know for a fact that the "war" on drugs has not failed. There are
kids right here in this community who say no to drugs every day.
That's a victory. And it's one worth celebrating. Now, do I wish that
drug use was an easier issue to deal with in terms of enforcement?
Absolutely. But that doesn't mean that we stop trying. It just means
we need to be smarter in trying.

In addition to the RCMP's drug prevention efforts (both reactive and
proactive), there are a growing number of people right here in Sooke,
who are actively working to help support kids in making smart
choices. Let's teach our kids to make good decisions that will enable
them to fulfill their potential. How? Great question. I'm glad you
asked. It's easier than you may think. E-mail me at
scott.hilderley@rcmp-grc.gc.ca and I'll fill you in. Giving up is not
an option.

Scott Hilderley

RCMP's Drugs and Organized Crime Awareness Service