Pubdate: Sun. 29 Aug 1999
Source: Ogdensburg Advance News (NY)
Copyright: 1999 St Lawrence County Newspapers Corp.
Contact:  P.O. Box 409 Ogdensburg, New York 13669
Website: http://www.ogd.com/
Author: Paul Mallette

Raps ReconsiDer

To The Editor:

After reading the headline, "ReconsiDer Blasts Drug Sweep" I gave
thought to where do we start?  Let's see.

We shouldn't arrest the users or small dealers, but go after the big
dealers,  Okay how do we do that?  Where do we start?  Probably the
age old question or questions.

I wonder if we can get the users to reconsider the path they are on? 
How about some facts about the percentage of users that spiral down to
a worst lifestyle.  Or maybe some truth about the effects of prolonged
drug use or the results of drugs used in crimes other than usage. 
Especially in violent crimes.

Some people claim they are better off using a small amount of drugs
because it makes them feel better.  Or in fact, does it simply hide
the pain of reality or the stress of reality, just a couple of thoughts.

Also where shall we draw the line in what is legal or illegal?  Let's
see!

Well today we will regulate an ounce or grain, or one line or two. 
Maybe it will be one spoon or needle!

How far do we go?  Possibly in 100 years, we may find drugs at the
local club or even displayed behind a glass cooler door in our local
grocery store, with the sticker that says, "You must be 21 years old
to purchase these drugs.  Valid picture I.D. only."

I know it sounds far fetched but I suppose alcohol did in the early
days of the formation of this great country!

I'll close with this question to those who are concerned and to the
members of ReconsiDer.  In all of the years that alcohol has been
legalized, what has the cost been to each and every American-man,
woman, and child, financially, physically and emotional?

PAUL H. MALLETTE

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