We need zero tolerance for all illegal drugs

Re. Darts & Bouquets in Nov. 5 Advocate:

Shame on Rick Zemanek for sending a bouquet to Denver, Colo. -a in
effect, applauding their decision to legalize small amounts of pot for
adults.

In order to keep our youth drug free, we need zero-tolerance,
anti-drug laws.

Did Zemanek not read Mary-Ann Barr's column on Page A2 calling for a
drug treatment centre in Red Deer?

Is he that insensitive to Red Deer's drug problems?

Was his opinion written from a solely personal point of view without
looking at the bigger picture?

Marijuana, in the majority of cases, gives a person an "I don't give a
damn attitude," which is one of the reasons why marijuana is
considered a gateway drug.

This is a tragedy, especially for our naive youth. Once they start
smoking marijuana, usually the use increases (because it's a drug -
duh). Awareness and caution barriers are jeopardized, school grades go
down, active sport participation goes out the window, interest in
otherwise normal activities decreases, and respect for family and
society diminishes.

For a case in point, my daughter came home complaining and comparing
her "square" parents to her friend's "cool" dad who was smoking
marijuana with my daughter and his own daughter (both 16 at the time).

Well, thanks "cool" dad, because now he's probably still a pothead and
my daughter advanced to more dangerous drugs.

My question is: when are adults going to sacrifice their marijuana
smokescreen to become role models for our youth?

Any parents/caregivers concerned about substance abuse in their
families can call me at 342-0895 for information about a valuable
support group.

Jackie Czerniak,

Red Deer