Pubdate: Wed, 31 Jan 2001
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2001, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  #250, 4990-92 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6B 3A1 Canada
Fax: (780) 468-0139
Website: http://www.canoe.ca/EdmontonSun/
Forum: http://www.canoe.ca/Chat/home.html
Author: Norm Siefken
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by newshawk

POLICING FOR PROFIT

RE: "DRUG traffic gets busted both ways," Jan. 27. It was unsettling to 
read that the Hinton Mounties are now bragging about swiping cash from 
innocent citizens on our highways. This type of policing for profit has 
been tried in the U.S. and is now facing a public and political backlash.

"Possession of money" charges are the latest examples of Canadian 
authorities borrowing failed tactics from America's dopey war on drugs. It 
is the ultimate victimless crime in our capitalist society.

Every Canadian who cashes a fat pay cheque just became a criminal. Add them 
to the millions of criminals who prefer pot to alcohol, don't register 
legal firearms, etc. Soon we will all be criminals. Good old Uncle Sam with 
two million behind bars will be really proud then.

Norm Siefken

(Obey the law and avoid the hassle.)
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