DRUG WAR IS DOPEY

There is nothing "dopey" about the new drug strategy that your city
council is debating ("City's drug strategy is dopey," Editorial Dec.
5). What is dopey is jailing people for something that they need help
with. What's wrong with bringing people in where they can be educated
and medically treated? What's wrong with helping to stop the spread
of AIDS, HIV and other diseases? What's wrong with compassion? Do you
think forcing people behind bars near murderers and other thugs is
caring and compassionate? Are we not a society that cares and helps
others? These addictions are dangerous, but, through counselling,
addicts can become successful members of society. Jail is for those
who harm others. Addicts need help -- something jail won't do. If the
policy isn't perfect, correct its flaws. The U.S. has tried the jail
method -- it doesn't work.

Wendal Grant

Trent Hills

(You don't get it: It's the dealers we want jailed. As for users, the
strategy is too much about enabling and not enough about counselling)