LEGALIZATION NO SOLUTION TO DRUG PROBLEM

Currently, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, a majority
of criminal arrests in the country are drug related. A majority of child
abuse cases are connected to substance abuse. Additionally, in a national
survey, at least half of the adults arrested for major crimes, such as
homicide and assault, tested positive for drugs at the time of their arrests.

This clearly dispels the misperception by some that people arrested on
criminal charges are committing crimes, often quite violent in nature, to
support their drug addiction. The truth is that the majority of these
arrests are committed because people were acting irresponsibly or violently
under the influence of drugs.

If drug use increased because of legalization, and it most certainly would,
communities would fall victim to more and more crime and abuse. And rather
than helping those who suffer from addiction, we would be clearing the way
for more victims.

Drug legalization is an unworkable and uncompassionate suggestion to remedy
a coxplex problem. It would lead to higher crime rates, more addiction and
more suffering.

Errol J. Chavez