Pubdate: Sun, 02 Mar 2003
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Patrick Carroll
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk

EXECUTE PUSHERS

Jose Rodriguez's solution to the pot problem fails to address several 
issues. ("High time to legalize it," Feb. 20.) The solution to drug abuse 
will not come as a result of legalizing pot or any other drug. The culture 
we are in must first be changed to reject drug abuse. We have made major 
inroads into stemming tobacco use. Those programs will be for naught if we 
attempt to legalize pot.

Coddling addicts and implementing harm reduction programs will only 
perpetuate the problem. If we want to get serious about stopping drug 
abuse, we must consider solutions offered by other countries. Executing 
pushers and caning users may seem draconian but it has virtually eliminated 
drug abuse in Singapore and the associated costs caused by addicts preying 
on the public. Their policing costs are a fraction of ours and they spend 
much more on treatment programs than we do and with better results.

Patrick Carroll

(We don't even execute murderers!) 
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MAP posted-by: Alex