Dear Editor,I agree with Bruce Wark's editorial about the complete failure of the so called "war on drugs." Drug addiction, like alcoholism or prescription drug abuse is a medical issue and cannot be solved by the criminal justice system. The "war on drugs" creates a market for brutal criminal gangs, destroys families and diverts justice resources from more pressing issues like enforcement of environmental laws. Prohibition does not work, period. It is time for a new approach. We should legalize marijuana and treat it like alcohol. Other drugs should immediately be decriminalized and further evaluated as to their true health effects. In the meantime safe injection sites and addiction service programs need to be greatly expanded to be available to all who need them. Let's hope in the next federal election politicians will have the courage to finally admit the futility of the Bush/Harper "war on drugs."
Respectfully,Michael Oddy Green Party of Canada Critic for Poverty Elimination
By michael oddy