Judge’s Plea for Legal Drugs Pleases Some, Irks Others

What we are doing is working! The war on drugs is not won, but we have been successful on many fronts, winning many battles, skirmishes and missions. The “war” must continue. Education is our weapon. The driving force behind our success is directly related to the involvement of business, law enforcement, education and treatment.

These forces are working here in Orange County. This is evidenced by the dramatic reduction in heroin overdoses, cocaine overdoses, drug-related deaths and incidents of arrest for drug-related criminal offense. This is not to mention the reduction in traffic-related deaths where the driver was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

The mere suggestion of legalized drugs is, in a word, preposterous. The idea that legalizing drugs will, as Judge Gray suggests, reduce crime and the number of incarcerations is without foundation. An excellent example of this flawed philosophy is the failure of legalization programs tried in other parts of the world such as Zurich, Switzerland.

As an educator, parent and American, I am personally offended by anyone representing our legal system who proposes such an approach to substance abuse. Judge Gray fails to recognize the impact that legalization would have on our country, health, workplace and competition in the world market. In fact individuals who use drugs are more inclined to be sick, miss work, have accidents, both on and off the job, and be generally less productive.

MARILYN MacDOUGALL

Board of Directors; Drug Use Is Life Abuse