Pubdate: Fri, 19 Apr 2002
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2002 News World Communications, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492
Author: Matthew Hogg
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n740/a02.html

PROHIBITION MAKES POPPIES PROFITABLE

In your April 16 front-page story "Afghan poppy growers settle in for long 
struggle," our drug czar John Walters claims that the opium trade funds 
terrorists. What he consistently fails to mention is that opium only funds 
terrorists because it is illegal and, therefore, incredibly profitable. 
Terrorists do not make money by selling beer or tobacco because these drugs 
are legally traded and do not have the enormous profit margin of the 
illegal ones. If we were to go so far as to outlaw milk, Mr. Walters can 
rest assured that terrorists and other criminals would reap huge financial 
rewards peddling illegal dairy products.

MATTHEW HOGG

Burlington, Vt.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens