WAR ON DRUGS IS A TOTAL FAILURE

Re: "Tories target violent crime" (Gazette, Feb, 27).

Canadians should face the facts. Illicit drugs are the cause of the
gang violence. Illicit drugs have been with us forever and will be
with us long into the future. The so-called war on drugs, at an
outrageous economic and social cost, will simply not reduce the flow
into and use of illegal drugs in Canada.

So it is now time to consider the alternative in this country, namely,
approaching this matter on a national basis as a health concern and
not a criminal issue. Is decriminalization, so often discussed in the
past, the way to the future? Are governments and citizens up to this
challenge?

If nothing else, think of the revenues that would accrue to all levels
of governments .. most likely in the hundreds of millions of dollars
year in and year out.

This is not to suggest that legalizing illegal drugs would be risk-
and problem-free. But that said, it is now time to deprive drug lords,
organized crime, and narcostates of the huge, tax-free profits
realized from drug use in our society. For pecuniary reasons alone,
should this not now become a national priority?

The nefarious consequences of the United States' war on drugs
permeates every facet of life in that country: education, health care,
the economy. Can we not learn something about failed drug strategy
from our southern neighbours? Or are we slow learners or simply don't
care? Do we really want to mimic this U.S. experience?

Emile Therien

Ottawa