Pubdate: Thu, 05 Aug 2010 Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC) Copyright: 2010 Josephine Staddon Contact: http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608 Author: Josephine Staddon ABANDON WAR ON DRUGS AND FIGHT FOR PEOPLE Having always been a social activist, a placard-carrying protester, I make every attempt to research the pros and cons of controversial events. Right now it is the struggle to do the 'right thing' for illegal drug users. Why are we attempting to legitimize illegal drug use? First of all, marijuana is not a harmful drug. I have yet to hear of anyone dying from its effects. If so, then why not places to go to and have a doobie? Why can't people grow a couple of plants for their own use? This would, of course, result in a loss of jobs for hundreds of people involved in the pursuit of pot criminals. What about the so-called hard drugs -- which can and do kill. Do we include tobacco and alcohol in this category? No, these are sanctioned by the government. Our taxes would rise dramatically if these products were banned. People have been using all kinds of substances since time immemorial in order to 'improve their outlook on life.' The overwhelming majority of people have no use for drugs. They have ways of enjoying life to the fullest without resorting to them. While it is legal for government to reap the benefits of some addictions (gambling, tobacco and alcohol) millions are spent on providing programs to counter addiction. As well as the endless task of the war against drugs. Change the drug laws. Legitimize the use of drugs whatever they are. Make rehab available for those who want it. This would be harm reduction. Liberalizing drug laws would be compassionate and realistic. If harm reduction and rehabilitation are the goals, then let's abandon the war on drugs and initiate a war for people; a fight for the dignity and self respect for our more vulnerable citizens. Josephine Staddon Nanaimo - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D