Pubdate: Tue, 05 Mar 2002
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Hacker Press Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Alan Randell
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n299/a08.html?2003

PROHIBITION PREPOSTEROUS

Editor, The News:

Re: (Much heat, little light at marijuana meeting, A8, Feb. 16) Perhaps I 
can shine a little light on the issue.

Why do governments prohibit certain drugs? Is it to protect users from 
harm? No, that can't be the reason because users suffer more (adulterated 
drugs and jail time) when a drug is banned as compared to when it is 
legally available; and besides, the most dangerous drugs of all, alcohol 
and tobacco, are legal.

Is it to reduce the crime associated with illegal drugs?

No, that can't be the reason because banning a drug always gives rise to 
more crime (drug cartels, petty crimes by users as prohibition makes drug 
prices much higher, violent disputes between dealers) than when the drug is 
legally available.

Is it to distract our attention from more important issues (and to provide 
bigger budgets and free drugs for our police officers) by conducting a 
brutal, Hitler-like pogrom against the innocent few who ingest or sell 
certain drugs? Bingo!

Alan Randell,
Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Alex