Pubdate: Mon, 13 May 2002
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2002 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n886/a08.html?2048
Author: Rev. Christopher Cole
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

HELP OPTIMIST PARK -- LEGALIZE DRUGS

The writer is Libertarian candidate for Congress, Ninth District.

John Petrie writes, "With the heat of summer coming, the drug dealers will 
take to the street to sell their wares."

Neighborhoods are never threatened by wine gangs, turf wars over tobacco or 
shootings from failed beer sales. Why is it only drugs? Because they're 
illegal. Alcohol and tobacco are distributed by licensed businesses, who 
can all be sued for wrongdoing. But the drug war has created a black market 
beyond legal accountability.

Optimist Park doesn't need for the city to give it an extra subsidy, but 
rather for the federal government to repeal laws against voluntary activities.

Rev. Christopher Cole, Charlotte
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