LEGALIZATION OF DRUGS IS NO SOLUTION TO GROWING PROBLEM

THE EDITOR:

In your May 6 edition, the letter 'Prohibition more costly than drugs
themselves,' presents the case that seems to support supplying heroin
addicts with free heroin.

Would we also supply free liquor to alcoholics? Free pharmaceuticals? Where
would it stop? Crimes such as murder, robbery and driving infractions have
been with us for many years. The numbers are increasing yearly in spite of
increased resources. Should we throw our hands up and say: "It's no use,
let them do what they will."

Drug addicts are not in control of their actions. To save them from
themselves and a life worse than death,would it not make sense to force
them into a secure institution for treatment?

There is a Bill C-17 that would decriminalize marijuana. The move for the
decriminalization of marijuana equates to legalization to a very high
percentage of our youth.Is this what we want for our youth?

In the past I have attended [as an observer] "smoke-ins at the lake" hosted
by a local pro-marijuana apologist who has run for municipal office and is
now running in the provincial election. Many of the attendees taking part
appeared to be under the age of 16. When this fact was brought to the
attention of a participating adult, the comment was that there was nothing
he could do about the situation because it had nothing to do with him.

What motivation do our young people have to say "no" when supposedly caring
adults, some politicians, senators and community leaders appear to sanction
the mind-altering drug of marijuana? Do we care?

Eric Myrholm

Abbotsford