DRUG FIGHT, LAWS WORTH THE EFFORT

To the editor:

In reviewing Mike Lacey's approach to illegal drugs ( When Plan A fails miserably, it's time for Plan B, April 23, 2004 ), I've concluded he would like the government to make narcotics legal, sell them through government retail outlets, tax them and then take the tax money to help the users stop taking drugs.

This is a vicious cycle of frightening proportions.  Have he actually thought about his lack of logic in this opinion?

Our government is usually, I hope, attempting to protect its citizens against harm and I, for one, appreciate this.

Why is Mr.  Lacey proposing that harmful drugs be made available, condoned by the very agency that has shown repeatedly that all drugs are harmful?

He admits drug use is a health and societal problem.

I agree.  I try to teach teenagers who use drugs daily.

They can't learn while under the influence of drugs and homework is out of the question.

If marijuana becomes legal, will there be an age of majority, like there is with alcohol?

There's no breathalyzer test.

How about blood tests to determine levels of highs?

Have you ever driven a car while stoned? Please, don't even consider it.

You see, there is no such thing as a "social toke" as there is with a single drink of beer, wine or spirits.  No one takes drugs unless they want to get high.

More studies need not be undertaken to determine further that even marijuana kills brain cells.

Who wants to live in an advanced society that legalizes a substance that can be abused on such a scale?

Not me nor anyone who thinks at a high enough level to realize legalizing any mind-altering drug would sow the seeds of disaster for our society.

Ten years from now, we would have many times the number of people, young and old, using narcotics, partially because their government has told them it's OK.

At least now most people remain law-abiding citizens who don't take drugs for that very reason.

There must be a strong deterrent or our weaker members will be easily swayed into a life ruled by the drugs they can consume, all because it's legal.

As for the war on drugs, I say keep fighting, police and courts.

My children and grandchildren are too precious to me to become part of a culture that sees being wasted as a choice that is legal.

Gordon Thompson

Peterborough