Pubdate: Thu, 26 Oct 2017 Source: Daily Courier, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2017 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers Contact: http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/531 Author: Steven Rathwell SOLVE CRISIS BY LEGALIZING DRUGS Editor: We need to seriously consider legalization of illegal substances, as this cannot continue. In countries such as Portugal, statistics show overdoses, crime and addiction rates decreased following legalization. With fewer arrests and lifelong sentences, some prisons became so vacant that they were refurbished to apartments and living quarters. These could be used by low income people or those on government assistance, homeless or recovering addicts. Like those in living in RVs on farmland down Gulley Road who need a place to live, this would be perfect for Vancouver and Kelowna with their high rents, lack of housing and the mild climate that many homeless come to (or are sent to) for the winter. One idea is allowing them to live there if they work a few hours each day, such as doing street cleaning or jobs to give them a purpose, a sense of accomplishment and help the community. This would help those who want to help themselves, but lack even a healthy or safe environment. Like prohibition, the drug trade keeps the Hells Angels and other criminal syndicates wealthy, thriving and in control of distribution. There is no certainty in what a person might be buying and it could be potentially fatal. How many more do we add to the rising number of statistics before we step up and change things? Steven Rathwell, Kelowna - --- MAP posted-by: Matt