DRUGS: TAKE BONGS OFF SHELVES

Dear Editor,

Come and get your bongs and crack pipes on special here! I can't believe
that neighbourhood corner stores in Langley are actively promoting such
drug paraphernalia in special displays [Store no place for bongs, April 19
Letters to the Editor, Langley Advance News].

It is not illegal to sell drug paraphernalia in Langley Township. There is
such a store in Walnut Grove, a short walking distance from the high school.

It is illegal to sell drugs but it is not illegal to sell the equipment to
use drugs. That's as if it is illegal to shoot people, but it's not illegal
to set up special displays of handguns and bullets in stores.

We can look the other way and say, "Hey, people who want to use drugs will
find any way to do it, so why worry about it?"

That sends the wrong message, particularly to young people. It says that
we, as a society, are only willing to go part way in combating the problem.

Drugs destroy lives. It is an issue that necessitates action on several
fronts - education, law-making, publicity, etc. - and there is some action
going on in these areas.

Here's another area where we can make a difference: outlaw the sale and
promotion of drug paraphernalia.

J. Kuwabara via email