Pubdate: Tue, 03 Mar 2009 Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2009 The Calgary Sun Contact: http://www.calgarysun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67 Author: Bruce Zwicker Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor. LEGALIZATION ONLY OPTION I wanted to comment on the Conservatives get-tough-on-drugs approach. This legislation is window dressing at best, and will not solve the problem of drug trafficking in our communities. This legislation will only make the problem worse by making drugs more valuable. The only solution to this problem and the gang problem is to legalize drugs. This may not be a popular strategy, but it will work. Drugs are the currency of gangs and organized crime. If we legalize and regulate drugs, it will take this currency out of the hands of the criminals and our youth and place them under government control, much like alcohol and tobacco. This approach worked when prohibition of alcohol was lifted and would work today. Drug use and abuse should be treated as a health issue and not a criminal issue. If our government were to do this, people addicted to drugs would get treatment instead of jail time, allowing them to return as productive members of society. BRUCE ZWICKER (The voices in favour of legalization are growing louder.) - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin