We’re losing the war on drugs
We’re losing the war on drugs
Big news! In case everyone hasn’t noticed, the “war on drugs” has been lost. Failed. Send up the white flag. Putting addicts in jail and having police and prosecutors dealing with this social problem has been an abject failure. The “Mexican Mafia” is running amok. The “Just say No!” and the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) programs have been a complete flop.
It is past time we try another way to tackle the social problem of addiction. I find it sad that our politicians who run our government are so out of touch that the front page article on Monday’s The Garden Island is about funding the prosecuting attorney’s office for more “drug war” programs.
Head prosecutor Justin Kollar wants to “close down drug houses,” as if that is a strategy that has worked in the past. That funding could have gone to children’s services, social work or mental health services, but instead the government just puts these poor folks in jail. Drug addicts should be seen as patients, not criminals.
Gordon LaBedz, Kekaha
Moratorium needed on development
Forty years ago a friend of mine sold his 1967 Corvette 427 for $700 during the gas crunch. It is now worth 200 times thatmuch. What if he went to that guy and told him he was a thief or pirate and that he wanted his car back? Ain’t gonna happenand it isn’t gonna happen with land either.
People on Oahu stated they would never sell out but the rich came in and made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. Mostpeople have a price. Not all, but most.
The only way to protect the land, ocean and nature is prohibit development, and to do this you must have elected officialsthat will do battle to prohibit any and all development.
“Development” in Kauai is a nasty word. Has a foul taste and smell. Everyone loves Costco. It is still development and I doubtif anyone wants to give it up. That is what the land is up against.
Even those who say they are against still want. The only thing that will work is a moratorium. But everyone would still wantexceptions. There lies the problem. There could be no exceptions.
David Cooper, Lihue
