Pubdate: Sat, 06 Jun 2009 Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2009 The Lethbridge Herald Contact: http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239 Author: Kaljo Pohjakas DRUGS AT ROOT OF GANGS Gang-related murders have prompted a reaction by authorities to hire more police officers and increasing penalties for gang-related crimes. One wonders if this would solve the problem. It could also indicate that the problem is attacked at the wrong end. We are told that criminal gangs deal with illegal drugs, prostitution and money laundering of illegally obtained cash. Drugs are apparently the most lucrative business. Our neighbourhood pot dealer, who may also supply harder stuff, may seem a harmless little cog in that big illegal industry, but he or she is who makes it possible for the vicious wholesale gangs to exist. This society is collectively guilty of using or tolerating illegal drug use. Without the demand there would be no supply. We have had public campaigns against smoking cigarettes and it has declined significantly. Why do we do not have a public campaign against drug use which is a much more harmful activity? Many accidents and deaths are caused by mind-altering drugs, including alcohol. Unless we get to the source of the gang problem, there will be always some people who regardless of the increased penalties are willing to profit from this addiction. Kaljo Pohjakas - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom