Pubdate: Mon, 12 Jun 2006
Source: Edson Leader (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Edson Leader
Contact:  http://www.edsonleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/780
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n757/a02.html
Author: Eric Myrholm
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

PROTECT YOUTH

To the Editor,

Reading the letter,"Drug Wars"written by Robert Sharpe, printed in 
the June 5 edition of your paper, has prompted me to reply. The point 
of his letter appears to be that the drug war does't fight crime, it 
fuels crime.

I recently read an article written by a young journalist who detailed 
some of her own experiences regarding the youth drug culture.

In part she stated;

"I don't support legalizing any mind-altering drugs because of three 
main reasons: personal experience,the untimely deaths of some close 
friends due to drug abuse, and obsevations as a journalist. I was 14 
years old when Bert handed me and my friends our first dobbies. We 
toked the gateway drug that would lead to stranger and stronger 
mind-bending indulgences. Bert was dead at the age of 22-years-old 
from a drug overdose. It is a fact that marijuana is often a gateway 
drug for vulnerable teenagers and young adults. Mind-altering drugs 
including THC, the active ingredient in marijuana are chemicals that 
pollute the human brain. Doing life "clean and sober" is a natural 
high with no regrets."

Why should we hesitate in trying to control the use of mind altering 
drugs, including marijuana? If we decriminalize or legalize mind 
altering drugs, are we not telling our youth that using dangerous 
drugs, including marijuana is no big deal? They must be OK because 
they are legal.

Is the move to legalize mind altering drugs motivated by the wealth 
which will be created for some?

Others may end up in a"life worse than death". Let's protect our youth.

Do we care?

Eric Myrholm

Abbotsford, B.C.

Letter-writer's Note: The young journalist I refer to is Trudy Beyak, 
Abbotsford News, 2006-03-14th edition. This was an article whch I 
feel covers a very difficult topic of great importance.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman