TAXING POT NOT SOLUTION

Editor:

I found Lisa Doerksen's article about the war on drugs (Herald, Sept. 28)
most disturbing. Alan Robison finds marijuana to be less harmful than
tobacco and alcohol, and lists its negative effects including loss of
short-term memory, slowed reaction time and possible lung damage.

The list ought to include a few other effects that are little talked about.
Four Canadians die each day as a result of drunk drivers and legalized
marijuana use would likely cause related deaths.

Also, I wonder if Mr. Robison considered the 12-year-olds who would have
easier access to marijuana and find that pot use is more exciting than
learning how to mulitply fractions.

Legalizing pot is an easy, short-term solution. Why stop there? Why not
legalize cocaine, prostitution and child pornography? The government could
regulate these things, too, and reap the tax benefits, and
legalizing/regulation is easier than enforcing laws. Instead, why not give
government and law enforcement more power and resources to make a bigger
difference?

Sept. 11 taught us that freedom is our most precious resource, which comes
at a high price. I hope Canadians use that freedom to build a beautiful and
prosperous country, not a theme park which makes its money taxing the
downfall of others.

KARL REJMAN

Lethbridge