EDUCATION IS THE KEY IN DRUG ISSUE

Dear editor,

Vermilion Standard - I feel compelled to reply to, and question, Mr.
Randell's opinion about drug legalization as printed in the February 24th
edition of The Standard.

Having completed a degree in Criminology, I understand how people like Mr.
Randell distort and misuse social harm theories to argue for the
legalization of certain drugs - specifically marijuana. As a police
officer, I see the effect that drug use and abuse (including alcohol) have
on our community. As the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officer in
our local elementary schools, I correct the misconceptions of
impressionable grade 6 students (11-12 years old) who have heard or read
other people's opinions that marijuana will be legalized, that marijuana is
an effective method of relieving pain, and that marijuana is good for you.
Having absentee family members stolen from me because of alcohol abuse, I
understand that arguing for marijuana legalization because of our
"successes" with alcohol is absurd. And finally, as the father of two
children, I want the next generation to understand the truth about drug use
and abuse and it's true negative effects on society, safety, and security,
productivity at work, health, and perhaps most importantly, family. Using
marijuana, like all other drug abuse, is not a victimless crime. Mr.
Randell stated that "nearly all the harm inflicted by illegal drugs ... is
because those drugs are illegal." Marijuana preponents who argue that
legalizing marijuana will cause less harm to society is like a car thief
who argues for the legalization of car theft.

I recently heard a B.C. Provincial Court Judge state that when she opens
the doors to her courtroom on Monday morning, a tidal wave of alcohol rolls
in. Our society is nowhere near conquering our failings with alcohol, let
alone tackling marijuana and other drugs. I don't have the answers to the
ongoing drug debate. I do know, however, that after years of police work, I
can simplistically, yet confidentally, state that people are generally at
their worst and cause the most harm to themselves, their families, and our
community when they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Both sides of the drug debate do agree on one matter - that education and
awareness should remain in the forefront. I applaud the Town of Vermilion
F.C.S.S. for organizing the well-attended drug information session for
parents where the true facts were discussed. I encourage parents and other
family members to visit the Community Health office in the Provincial
Building to learn more about drug abuse. And I caution everyone that in the
ongoing drug debate, there is a large discrepancy between opinion and fact.

Cst. Rob Rubuliak, Vermilion RCMP