Pubdate: Tue, 16 Oct 2007 Source: Windsor Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2007 The Windsor Star Contact: http://www.canada.com/windsor/windsorstar/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1182/a08.html Author: Ron Ricci LEGALIZING DRUGS WOULD ONLY ADD TO OUR PROBLEMS Re: If drugs are legalized, related violence will end. While it is to be commended that Glen Walker and his classmates are reading current events in the newspaper, they must also be reminded that reading any media story must be approached with critical-thinking skills. His assertion that legalizing drugs will eliminate related violence and stating that "the stupidity of the statement," by Tony Cannovino, made him "want to scream" leaves one to wonder about his own motives for wanting drugs legalized. If all violence related to alcohol ceased when Prohibition was repealed, why must there be such a strong police presence in downtown Windsor every weekend? If you don't consider the death of people at the hands of drunk drivers to be extremely violent, then your comprehension of violence needs to be revisited. Legalizing drugs will not solve the "black market" issues they have created. Just find the "street prices" on legal and controlled drugs like Oxycotin and Valium to see the fallacy of this statement. Vigilance is required to maintain order in our society and that includes throwing drug offenders in jail. I challenge you, Mr. Walker, rather than promote the legalization of drugs, to instead educate your peers on the consequences of drug use and the benefits of abstinence. If there is no demand for illegal drugs, then truly the market would disappear. RON RICCI Leamington - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman