Pubdate: Thu, 13 Jun 2002
Source: Times, The (LA)
Copyright: 2002 The Times
Contact:  http://www.shreveporttimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1019
Author: Rick Porter
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1069/a08.html?1229

NATION WOULD BE UNWISE TO LEGALIZE ILLICIT DRUGS

Rick Porter

Shreveport

Re: June 9 letter by Alan Randell titled "Drug arrest reports based on 
propaganda."

I started my career in law enforcement in 1976. I was certified by the 
National Highway Safety Administration as a drug recognition expert in 1993.

It's funny the writer should mention prohibition. We once tried to make 
alcohol illegal in this country, but it didn't work. People didn't 
understand why they shouldn't be allowed to drink just because there are a 
few people who abuse this privilege. Most of us are able to have a drink or 
two with a meal without it being a problem.

The same can't be said of any other drug of abuse. To use marijuana is to 
abuse it. This also applies to cocaine, heroin, PCP, LSD and any other 
"recreational" drug.

In this instance, the drug of abuse was Ecstasy, which has been proven to 
cause permanent brain damage beginning with the first time it is used.

To legalize all drugs would be among the biggest mistakes this country 
could ever make. Besides the loss of potential from the many new drug 
abusers, there would be a blood bath on our nation's highways.

If the writer lives in Canada, why should any of this concern him?
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