Pubdate: Tue, 30 Jul 2002
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Julian Kinisky
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by newshawk

GOVERNMENT COULD PROFIT FROM SALES

THE RECENT comment by Connie Woodcock on placing marijuana on the shelves 
next to vodka reflects the unconscionable profits of bootlegging the drug 
on the street. Billions of dollars are earned by what is now the criminal 
element. It's rather stupid of the government to forgo the huge revenues 
that would accrue from legitimate sales.

When will we finally learn that prohibition is nothing but a bonanza for 
the criminal element?High tobacco taxes are similar to prohibition. 
Accordingly, I must congratulate the legislature of Alberta and the 
government of Canada who, with the strong support of ASH, have forced the 
development of a smuggling ring of immense proportions, sending millions of 
dollars to the criminal element. How smart is it to make all that money for 
criminals in some wild attempt to stop or slow down smoking? Can you 
imagine the utter stupidity of a whole nation undergoing a huge rise in the 
cost-of-living index because of tobacco taxes? The criminal element must be 
cheering for ASH and the foolish government tobacco taxes.

Julian Kinisky

(Imagine if everyone quit smoking.) 
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MAP posted-by: Alex