FIRM HAND, TOUGHNESS NEEDED

Both Honolulu dailies ran a series about ice use in Hawai'i. Countless
sad stories have been relayed about families and lives that have been
shattered. Lawmakers, lawyers, doctors, social workers and other
facilitators all blame crystal meth as the single largest factor in
these ruined lives. Most argue that the cure for this "epidemic" is more
money for state-run rehab and other feel-good programs.

One of the few voices of reason comes from Richard O. Rowland. He
correctly states that ice itself is not the problem. The use of ice is
the problem. Ice is not a deadly disease that can be treated by
antibiotics or other drugs. Reducing the flow of ice into the state,
although helpful, will not cure the problem. To stop ice use, one must
address two areas -- prevention of first-time use and break from
continued use.

The liberals argue that social programs and community support will
prevent someone from first-time ice use. I do not disagree. They also
argue that people with lower incomes and broken families are also more
likely to use ice. Statistically, that may be correct.

However, how does this explain all those stories of children from loving
families and good schools who get hooked on ice? Well, in every one of
those stories, the user gets hooked on ice because a "friend" turned
them on to it. Some friend! People get hooked on ice because they make
the stupid decision to let a drug user stay in their sphere of
influence.

Once hooked on ice, which apparently happens after the first use, there
is only one effective way to break from continued use -- total
abstinence. Ice, it appears, is so addictive that only physical
separation or restraint can prevent continued use. Yes, mandatory jail
time needs to be instituted in every single case.

I don't care if the prisons are overcrowded. Stack them three high, put
them in tents and have them hot-rack the cots for sleep time. We subject
our service men and women to worse conditions; why use kid gloves for
the criminals who pollute our society?

If you really want to rehab them, subject them to hard physical labor.

Parents need to hold their children accountable for those they hang out
with. Society needs to hold drug users accountable for the destruction
they cause the community. Love and kindness are nice and make you feel
good, but only a firm hand and toughness can counter the evil of ice
use.

Bradford P. Morriseau

Mililani