Pubdate: Mon, 15 Apr 2002
Source: Northwest Florida Daily News (FL)
Copyright: 2002 Northwest Florida Daily News
Contact:  http://www.nwfdailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/313
Author: Anthony Lorenzo

GOOD GREEN IDEAS

Re: "Sam the dealer" (letter, April 11).

This lack of compassion for fellow human beings is what has forced me
to lean toward the Green Party.

The purpose of legalization is to provide safe access for drug users
and abusers alike. I think the unnecessary loss of any human life is
ridiculous.

Just selling drugs does not reduce crime and property loss or damage.
Heroin maintenance programs are needed. Eighty percent of the people
in prison for violent crimes were under the influence of alcohol or
heroin when they committed their crimes.

We are the only industrialized nation in the world that does not
provide health care to all its citizens. This expense causes private
industry, especially small businesses, to lose money.

There is much more that must go along with ending the War on Us, also
known as the War on Drugs. Less government is a concept that would
work with a more evolved species. We have quite a way to go. We still
endorse the death penalty here.

The Green Party is the transitional party to take us there. Health
care for everyone; education (preschool through college) funded by the
state; decriminalizing of victimless crimes; preserving the
environment ... the Greens' good ideas go on and on.

ANTHONY LORENZO
Tampa
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MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFlorida)