Pubdate: Wed, 16 Aug 2000
Source: Richmond Review (CN BC)
Copyright: 2000 Richmond Public Library
Contact:  Unit 140 5671 No. 3 Road, Richmond, B.C.
Fax: (604) 606-8752
Website: http://www.rpl.richmond.bc.ca/community/RichmondReview/
Author: Alan Randell

DRUG CRACKDOWN IS DISCRIMINATORY

Re: "Stiffer jail sentences given in grow-op convictions," Aug. 9

To judge from their names, the two individuals receiving these "stiffer jail
sentences" are not white.

Gee, what a surprise.

Just as blacks are routinely punished more severely for drug offences in the
US, Canada reserves its most serious drug sentences for non-whites of all
hues. For example, our police never tire of telling us that most of our
marijuana grow operations are operated by "Vietnamese gangs."

Is there anyone out there who is yet to be convinced that the war on drugs
is, at its heart, fuelled by racism?

Alan Randell, Victoria
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