DrugSense FOCUS Alert #395 - Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Three major British Colombia newspapers have called for Canada to at least consider legalizing drugs. The violence associated with the drug trade has escalated to the point where the newspapers are calling for new directions to be considered.

The Province published an editorial Sunday "Legalization Needs Study". The editorial starts by plainly stating "This newspaper has traditionally opposed the legalization of drugs." While the editorial doesn't jump headfirst into support for legalization, it does acknowledge that now is time to debate the issue. Read the editorial at http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n146/a01.html

Then Monday the Victoria Times-Colonist published an editorial "Gun Epidemic Prescriptions" which ends stating:

"And it is time to recognize that gangs and guns are linked inextricably to the huge profits in the drug trade. Those profits are possible because of a failed, prohibition-based drug strategy. It's time to begin legalizing and controlling distribution as part of an entirely new approach to reducing the damage done by guns." See http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n155.a02.html

Ian Mulgrew, Vancouver Sun columnist, addressed the same topic Monday with this column: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n155.a03.html

With the facts on our side, we may influence the debate. Please read the editorials and column at the above links where you will also find contact information for sending letters to the editor.

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