Pubdate: Tue, 24 Sep 2002
Source: Nelson Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Nelson Daily News
Contact:  http://www.nelsondailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/288
Author: Kirk Muse

CANADA SHOULD NOT FOLLOW U.S. LEAD

To the Editor:

Thanks for publishing Robert Sharpe's outstanding letter, "War on Drugs 
Wastes Money" (9-18-02).  In 1969 the U.S. federal drug enforcement budget 
was $65 million.  This year it's $19.2 billion. (Just the federal which 
doesn't include the cost of incarceration nor state and local costs).  The 
$19.2 billion is greater than a 295 fold increase.

If the 1969 25 cent cup of coffee had increased at the same rate, coffee 
would sell for almost $75.00 per cup.  More than $75.00 with sales tax.

The net result of our so-called investment; anybody in the U.S. that wants 
drugs can still get them.  Just as easily as in 1969.

My advice to Canada: observe U.S. drug policy and then do the opposite. 
Don't follow us - we're lost.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Arizona
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MAP posted-by: Beth