DRUG WAR USELESS

Laurie Mustard's Oct. 19 column warned readers that drug users enrich
"the slime running the organized crime groups who sell kids drugs." It
doesn't have to be that way. Criminalizing consensual vices such as
drug use creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. The drug war doesn't
fight crime; it fuels crime. This is not to say that all drugs should
be legal.

Taxing and regulating marijuana is a cost-effective alternative to the
seemingly never ending drug war.

Decriminalization acknowledges the social reality of marijuana use and
frees users from the stigma of life-shattering criminal records.
What's really needed is a regulated market with age controls. Right
now kids have an easier time buying pot than beer.

Robert Sharpe,

The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation

Washington, DC

(We need to discuss all options in the struggle to separate kids and
drugs.)

ANSWER IS SIMPLE

Re He Said/She Said, Oct 21: The way for kids to become drug free is
actually very simple, have the parents stop first. As long as the
parents use drugs and alcohol, you can't expect anything else from the
kids.

John Paterson

Edmonton, Alta.

(Kids and drugs represent a problem that needs a multi-pronged
approach. There is no single solution.)

DON'T LIE TO KIDS

You may virtually assure that kids will use drugs or alcohol if you
lie to them about drugs and alcohol.

The lies and propaganda of the drug warriors assure that kids will
figure that since they were lied to about cannabis, for example, then
everything about alcohol, heroin, speed, crack etc. being dangerous
and deadly must be lies too.

Myron Von Hollingsworth

Fort Worth, Tex.

(Kids know when we're telling the truth.)