Different approach needed to curb abuse

Editor,

"We the People:"

I think I heard that term in a movie with Goldie Hawn a few years ago. What I have to say here is highly controversial but the truth. Our society struggles with many problems stemming from alcohol and drug use and we don't get any help or answers from any government agency regarding any solutions.

We catch, arrest and lock up people who manufacture, grow and sell what the government has deemed "dangerous drugs," but the most dangerous continues to be manufactured and sold with the total blessing of that same government.

We all know the impact methamphetamine is having on our society and most people are alarmed at the total devastation the drug causes. We are all too quick to lock up the victims of this addiction an continue to be reluctant to pass laws regarding alcohol abuse. Only when someone becomes a severe problem are they dealt with.

We also make convicted drug dealers and people who grow or manufacture illegal drugs pay restitution to pay back some of the money their crime cost we the people. If you do the math and watch what really goes on in the tavern industry, you will very quickly see that these businesses do not profit from normal social drinkers but largely from problem drinkers or the people who abuse alcohol.

These are the same people who get arrested on disorderly conduct, DUI and domestic violence charges. A portion of these people will make it to a treatment center, which will either bill the state (we the people), Medicaid (we the people) or have to write off the bill because the person cannot or will not pay for his or her treatment.

The bar owners go on making profits and the government goes on gathering taxes and we go on paying the bills. I propose dipping into the profit from the sales of alcohol — about 10 percent — and using this money to pay for the treatment and education for substance abuse. They money would stay in the county where the problem was created and we the people would be able to put our money into things like education, building a park, fixing a road, building a youth center or playgrounds.

I know the bar owners and the store owners would flip if this were to happen, but why are we the people paying for the irresponsibility of a few so a few can profit?

By the way, there is an alcohol tax; however, this money goes into a pool and is divided according to population. Montana has fewer people in the entire state than LA has in its inner city. So where do you think the bulk of our alcohol tax money goes?

Chuck Ripley

Polson