Pubdate: Thu, 13 Jun 2002
Source: Charlotte Sun Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2002 Sun Coast Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.sun-herald.com/newsch.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1708
Author: Walter Klinger
Note: Title  by Newshawk
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

BIGGEST PROBLEM OF ALL -- DRUG ABUSE

Editor:

The tragedy of 9/11 and the war on terrorism makes all the headlines in 
newspapers and newscasts. We are neglecting the biggest problem of all -- 
drug abuse.

Over the last 30 years the government spent billions to stop the drug flow. 
Now middle school children and thousands of people from all walks of life 
are hooked. True some progress has been made by confiscation of planes, 
boats, cars, property and jail sentences, unfortunately this has hardly 
made a dent in the influx of drugs. We must conclude that the war on drugs 
is a costly bust. Why? Because of fast, easy, big dollars. From 
neighborhood pushers, to middlemen, to drug czars, the money is exorbitant.

I take the unpopular stand and support legalizing drug use. This will take 
the big money out of it. Now comes the outcry, too many people will become 
druggies. It's true in the beginning, more people may start, but this will 
quickly diminish. Use the saved billions to make free drug rehabilitation 
centers, free to all people, to get the aid they now lack.

In the 1930s, our country faced a similar problem with prohibition. When it 
was legalized to drink, there was fear that large numbers would become 
drunks. This did not happen. The same results can be expected with 
legalized drugs. How long do we have to go with a policy that does not 
work? It's time to take a new approach, take away the big money, then there 
will be no need to push drugs.

Walter Klinger

North Port
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth