Pubdate: Mon, 09 Apr 2001
Source: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram (TX)
Copyright: 2001 Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas
Contact:  http://www.star-telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/162
Author:  David Sanders

GREAT HOAX

Ted Koppel on his `Nightline' program recently exposed the futility 
and the horror of the War on Drugs.

To those not yet awakened from their hysteria-induced delirium, you 
should look back to the original drug czar, Harry Anslinger, in the 
early 20th century, who made no secret of his racially inspired 
hysteria. It has been perpetuated ever since very effectively by the 
mass media.

So I understand how difficult it will be to break down decades of 
propaganda. But when people start examining the small truths, it will 
all become apparent -- truths like the fact that the state of 
California spends more money on prisons to lock up nonviolent 
offenders than it does on education.

Propagandists freely interchange the terms `abuse' and `use,' making 
it seem that everyone who ever took a puff of marijuana is an abuser. 
It is also common to voice concern for "the kids," who in reality 
have much easier access to unregulated substances than they do 
regulated alcohol.

To me, it is no longer a question of if the public will become aware 
of this great hoax that is costing it billions each year, but when it 
will become aware.

David Sanders
Arlington
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe