ILLEGAL DRUGS -- WHY NOT REMOVE THE CAUSE?

Recent press has carried another spate of articles bemoaning illegal
drug activity and the ineffectiveness of combative measures. One
writer asked, "Does anyone else have a better idea at a reasonable cost?"

At the risk of offending the gentile and naive, I quote from an
article presented in Readers Digest of June 2006. This article was
written by two educated, observant, realistic Canadians, who have
lived and worked in Singapore for several years.

"It's probably the world's safest country. It's certainly the
cleanest big city I've ever seen." According to the same article,
"Most citizens enjoy subsidized housing, an advanced medical system
that rivals Canada's and a level of public safety that seems
incredible to a North American."

In my understanding, a basic rule in medical practice is "identify
and remove the cause; prevent recurrence." The obvious solution with
illegal drugs is one word: "Singapore." The difference, the "guts" to act.

Just think of (then) available funds for affordable housing,
child-care facilities, hospital nurses, schools, etc., ad infinitum.

Please stop whining. Face the facts.

Stephen Lamb

Victoria