LIGHT IN THE TUNNEL

Considering all the relevant facts it would seem that drug abuse is
largely a curse of the western world. Here the drug trade flourishes
and many openly support this noxious trade.

Write some scientifically based criticism of the drug trade and at
least one will crawl out of the woodwork to try and belittle the article.

When a Medicine Hat News editorial writer wrote about the dangers of
marijuana she received abusive e-mail from all over the continent.

The supporters of the drug trade have grown arrogant and aggressive
because they have little to fear in the form of punishment.

But a light is showing at the end of the tunnel ( and it's not a train
approaching).

On Wednesday, March 15, The News reported the Brooks Drug Task Force
staged a protest in front of the Alberta court. The drug task force
plans to lobby the court system for harsher sentences for drug
traffickers. They plan to stage peaceful protests whenever drug
traffickers appear for sentencing in Brooks.

This week the Calgary Block Watch Council hosted a lecture aimed at
giving people the knowledge they need to spot drug operations in their
communities and then pass on solid information to the police. The
meeting was addressed by a veteran drug unit officer who is well
versed in the grow-op scene.

Also this week the towns of Didsbury, Carstairs and Cremona have
teamed up to tackle the scourge of methamphetamine in their
communities. These communities intend to raise awareness about the
drug. With the help of Multi-Youth Productions, a group of teens from
Stony Plain, they have planned a musical called Fallen Angels, which
examines the impact of the drug. The musical was to be staged this
week.

Now that the public are standing up to be counted in the fight against
drugs the politicians and the courts will eventually have to take
notice and turn on the screws.

Here's hoping what has started in Brooks and other communities will
grow into a groundswell over the continent.

Riaan Kriel is a member of the community editorial board.