Pubdate: Mon, 20 Sep 2010 Source: Daily Reflector (Greenville, NC) Copyright: 2010 Shirley Winborne Contact: http://www.reflector.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1456 Author: Shirley Winborne DRUG WAR NOT HELPING The police operations in high crime areas as stated in the Sept. 2 Daily Reflector is a great effort in trying to reduce crime. However, until there are stricter rules in housing and the mentality of those who prey on others for their drug habits and financial needs have been changed, they will only leave one neighborhood and go to another to destroy. The majority of the people in those neighborhoods are decent, law-abiding citizens who want safety for their families, but there are always bad seeds who seem to germinate and spread their foul behavior. In addition, this country needs to look at eliminating the power of drug dealers (including those who bring it into the country) by legalizing drugs, especially marijuana. It's ridiculous to waste tax dollars arresting and incarcerating someone for a few ounces of marijuana. Legalization of drugs has proven to be effective in reducing crime and raising tax revenue in a few other countries. The drug war of past and present hasn't worked. It's time to take another approach. SHIRLEY WINBORNE Greenvillee_SPgB - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D