DON'T LET OUT-OF-STATERS LEGALIZE DRUGS

Another misguided drug legalization endorsement from The Detroit News
is the last thing our community needs (Nolan Finley's Jan. 20 column,
"Trio's ballot measure would restructure war on illicit drugs").

Claiming that the people behind the drug legalization movement are
forcing America to "re-evaluate" the war on drugs is far from true.
Out-of-state multimillionaires are funding expensive advertising
campaigns, hiring attorneys, using public relations firms and
applying questionable tactics to get voter signatures. Their
strategies include using people suffering from cancer and AIDs to
promote "compassionate use," distorting the right of constitutional
freedom with the right to use drugs, misrepresenting the prosecution
of drug offenders and exploiting the tragic events of Sept. 11.

Legalizing drugs like cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and heroin sends a
dangerous message to our children and our communities. Drug use is
linked with crime, homelessness, violence, poverty and unemployment.
We need to focus our efforts on reducing the demand for drugs. The
answers lie in education, prevention, coupled with treatment and
accompanied by research. The answers do not lie in drug legalization.

Susan L. Hiltz Executive Director Prevention Coalition of Southeast
Michigan Southfield