LETTER OF THE WEEK

PROHIBITION DOESN'T WORK

By David Hutchison

For the most part, I agree with Alan Ferguson's columns. But at 60,
I've also been around long enough to hear all the pros and cons on
the subject of drugs.

Considering the size of B.C.'s marijuana industry, it seems the
public has made the decision that it is going to take drugs.

I don't support drugs. I just recognize that, if the government
abdicates its responsibility to control and distribute drugs, then
criminals will take up the slack.

Any suggestion police can control the drug flow is ludicrous.

We have no choice but to begin to realize what America did in the
late '30s with alcohol -- that it is better and safer to control
distribution and remove crime from the industry.

Gangs like the Hells Angels are making billions, while we have
homeless on the street, an over-taxed justice system and the death
and destruction of families.

The war is over, and it's time to move on. I say this as a
grandfather of four and I don't say it lightly. As families, we must
set the best example possible for our children and grandchildren.

But we also have to recognize that prohibition doesn't work -- never
has, never will.

David Hutchison

New Westminster

Pubdate - Fri, 25 May 2007

Source - Province, The (CN BC)