DON'T FIGHT WAR ON DRUGS

Re: New anti-drug plan, Oct. 5.

Though I applaud the PM for promising money for treatment and
prevention programs for users and young people who are or have taken
drugs, I must dispute putting money into any enforcement of drug laws.

No matter how many millions the government puts into the drug war,
they will lose and lose big. A drug dealer could make thousands of
dollars a day for a few hours of work and he always has the clients
and if that person is arrested, another person will take his place.
The amount of wealth a drug dealer could gain is enough for him or
her to take the risk.

I am one of the few freaks who believes drugs should be legalized
simply because spending millions of dollars on crime enforcement
would be an utter waste. Drug users are not criminals; they are
people with tough lives who use the drugs because they like the
feeling it gives them.

Put money into treatment and prevention, that's it. If someone wants
to smoke some pot on their own time in their own home, they are not a
criminal, either.

The drug war has proven in the United States to be a gigantic waste
of time, money and lives.

Ben Morris

Winnipeg

(No money into deterrence equals tacit approval.)