LEGALIZE, REGULATE

I appreciate the concerns expressed by Santa Fe County Commissioner
Harry Montoya and Diego Lopez in the Aug. 30 article, "Montoya takes
on new pot law."

However, fear might have clouded their minds.

I do not advocate drug use.

I do advocate personal responsibility and the legalized regulation of drugs.

I share similar goals with Montoya and Lopez: the protection of, and
chance for a better life for, our children.

Who makes the decision to sell drugs to our children?

Criminals, who aren't licensed or regulated, whose drugs vary in
strength, purity and fillers because there are no standards.

Will legalized regulation end the drug problem? No, but experience
indicates it will improve the situation.

Drug use and abuse should be treated as what they are -- health care
issues, not crimes.

Divert a large portion of the $69 billion being spent annually on
enforcement toward prevention, education, and treatment.

Take criminals out of the equation -- for our children. Visit www.leap.com (sic)

J. Michael Jones

Ret. Deputy Chief of Police

Ranchos de Taos