WALL: Treatment far better

Trump said, “For that reason, we will soon begin the construction of a great wall along our southern border. It will be started ahead of schedule and, when finished, it will be a very effective weapon against drugs and crime.”

A humble opinion based on years of research as a result of having a brother who is a drug addict… Building a multimillion dollar wall on the Mexican border is not going to do one thing to help a young sophomore at Coeur d’Alene High School who is whacked on opioids, meth or heroin.

That same amount of money spent on FREE drug rehab programs through the court system or during incarceration, (programs that have proven recovery rate in excess of 60 percent), will reduce drug use and addiction, will save lives, will reduce incarceration levels, will reduce costs of building new jails, etc. etc.

Perhaps a sincere but naive solution No. 45 gives to a critical problem. Ask the parent of a kid on opioids whether he supports a wall on the Mexican border over an affordable treatment program for his child.

SHIRLEY THAGARD

Hayden