LEGALIZE DRUGS

Editor:

Re: Federal candidates agree on one thing, TIMES, Dec. 27, 2005

I was shocked that Dan Banov could suggest legalization of such a
dangerous drug as crystal meth. Then I started thinking. The first
priority is to protect children and young people. Prohibition didn't
work, it gave control of alcohol to the criminal elements.

Ideally, we would have a society with no drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
Since two of these substances are under modest control, and are less
accessible to children, perhaps we need to consider some form of
legalized control of sales and take drugs out of the hands of criminals.

Taxed substances could support education and rehab programs instead
of pushers selling to youths. It is far from ideal, but we must find
a more effective solution than just increasing jails.

A.H. Geluk

Maple Ridge