BAD LESSON FOR YOUNG

Re: Truly shameful, March 26.

Let me get this straight -- your editorial board believes that Canada
should legalize more aspects of paying for sexual services? I have
also seen in your pages calls for the decriminalization of soft
drugs. Do you ever stop to ask yourselves what this teaches the young
people of our nation? Smoke pot? Not a big deal. Sell yourself for
money? Not a big deal. They are already dealing with the pressures to
try addictive designer drugs that make addicts with one hit as well
as relaxed sexual mores that increase their exposure to sexually
transmitted diseases. The last thing they need is the government in
any way appearing to legitimize these pressures. And have no doubt,
that is exactly what legislation of this kind would do. I recommend
we put our money and efforts into trying to prevent people from using
drugs and selling themselves for money -- rather than legitimizing
these behaviours by making them appear to be "acceptable."

Craig Hobson

Winnipeg