Pubdate: Wed, 29 Aug 2001
Source: Bradley News Weekly, The (TN)
Copyright: 2001 The Bradley County News, Inc
Contact:  http://www.bradleyweekly.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1504
Author: Paul Mees
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS

Dear Editor:

As a disappointed Republican considering switching to the Libertarian 
Party, I like a lot of what Dr. Pearl has to say. One curious thing though, 
it occurs to me Libertarians shoot themselves in the foot with many 
Americans by leading with their biggest problem. While the Libertarian view 
is correct that whether I grow and smoke a tobacco weed or a cannabis weed 
is immaterial, what we need to remember is that Americans against drugs is 
part of the fabric of society. Why not be more gentile on this subject by 
announcing that laws should only be made that protect a persons life, 
liberty and property, not for social engineering. This really allows the 
community to hold individuals accountable for irresponsible actions and 
will help them to logically come to the conclusion that drug laws are dumb.

Leading with "legalize drugs" is going to close ears and minds before you 
get started.

Debate the big points, and you will stand out in the crowd. If you ever 
hear a Sunday talk show none of the Senate members (this country's greatest 
deliberative body) ever talk about the scope of law, the rights of man or 
being constrained by the Constitution. Let's work on getting Libertarians 
in forums like that without bringing up the drug issue. It is refreshing to 
see Dr. Pearl suggest modeling after what the socialists did with the 
Democrats. It would be great to turn the Republicans around to once again 
embrace liberty.

- -Paul Mees
- ---
MAP posted-by: GD