KEEP DANGEROUS DRUGS AS ILLEGAL

Americans made their voices loud and clear on several issues on Election
Day. Among the most resonant was the clarion call of large majorities to
say no to drugs -- drug legalization in particular. Floridians should pay
particular attention to that statement, as that same decision will likely
be put before voters here in 2004, through a subtle and clandestine state
constitutional amendment proposal called, "The Right to Treatment."

What should really be called the "right to use and abuse drugs" is another
veiled attempt at drug legalization, supported by three multibillionaires
in the name of "reform," by way of medical marijuana and decriminalization
laws. Florida voters should not be confused by this spin. Voters in Ohio,
Arizona, Nevada (which actually attempted to legalize marijuana possession)
and South Dakota overturned such wrong-headed, if not dangerous, ballot
measures on Tuesday by overwhelming margins.

Let's not let our guards down on the war on drugs against our children now.
Let's congratulate and emulate our fellow American citizens for doing their
part.

Bernie Diaz is Director of Communications, The Miami Coalition For A Safe
and Drug-Free Community coral gables