Pubdate: Mon, 04 Jun 2001
Source: Yuma Daily Sun, The (AZ)
Copyright: 2001 The Yuma Daily Sun
Contact:  http://www.yumasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1258
Author: Sid Turner
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n954/a05.html ("The 
Freedom Way")
DON'T LEGALIZE DRUGS

Editor, The Sun:

I just finished reading Tibor Machan's column on the "war on drugs" 
in the The Yuma Daily Sun. As a member of a California law 
enforcement agency, I have been involved in this so-called 'war on 
drugs.' My own opinion is that it has failed and that we must take a 
different approach. I do believe that President George W. Bush has a 
fairly good idea to help with the problem by helping the abusers get 
treatment. Interdiction alone cannot stop the problem but in 
conjunction with treatment, may just do the job.

I do respect his opinion but I believe that he is mistaken in 
thinking that drug abuse only hurts the abuser. During Prohibition, 
the illicit sale of alcoholic beverages created an underworld empire 
for the likes of Alfonse Capone that is now rivaled by the Arellano 
Felix Carte. Prohibition created an explosion in crime and homicide 
that was ultimately reduced only by the repeal of Prohibition. Yes, 
there are parallels between alcohol and drug abuse, but I have seen 
what the abuse of drugs does to children born to drug-using mothers.

These mothers would rather score a hit of "Krystal" or "Rock" than 
feed themselves or their children. The children born to these abusers 
suffer from low birth weight, are usually premature and suffer 
learning disabilities later on in life. I have seen this for myself!

I do not exaggerate when I say that this is the least of the poor 
child's worries. The child is raised in an environment that does not 
promote good health or welfare. These children are abused daily - 
sexually, physically and emotionally! Imagine a 4-year-old child 
being cared for by an 8-year-old sibling for two or three days 
because the mother or father would rather be scoring on the streets. 
Does this appeal to your paternal instincts? I assure you these 
abusers have none.

It is very rare to see an abuser clean up. The percentage is small. 
Most of them die. Some take their children with them. I have executed 
search warrants where whatever crumbs are left over, the poor child 
has to battle rats and cockroaches for. The filth is overwhelming! 
You enter and the odor of ammonia almost knocks you over.

Yes, Mr. Machan, let's legalize drugs because the government has no 
business telling us what to do! Then if this is the case, why should 
the government respond to your or anyone else's call for help? If the 
government is not our keeper then why depend on it? Why did the 
students and parents of Colombine depend on the government to 
respond? Why do I and every other law enforcement officer and soldier 
risk our lives to do our jobs? For the protection of the people! 
Adults and children! Let's help - but do not legalize drugs.

SID TURNER

Yuma
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