I submit a law change to our county, state and country: automatic death penalty to heroin dealers. We just need those in charge to have the spine to put this law into place, and then the fortitude to enforce this law.

The problem is many are focused on helping the problem after the fact, not before. We need to prevent the problem.

Don’t get me wrong — I think helping those find the path to recovery is an important part of the equation. But wouldn’t we rather not have the problem happen the first place?

Instead of trying to put out a fire room by room, wouldn’t you rather that fire never happened in the first place? Well, Butler, we are that burning house, and drug addiction is the relentless fire. Let’s not let that fire burn in the first place.

We need to set the precedent of zero tolerance. This policy of extreme deterrence will go a long way. I’m talking death penalty for anyone caught selling heroin, including first-time offenders.

Haven’t we had enough already in our community? Most of the drug dealers aren’t even from here. Many come from Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. I’ve read too many heartbreaking obituaries. Let’s combat the problem via prevention and deterrence.