Pubdate: Sun, 14 Sep 2003 Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2003 Calgary Herald Contact: http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66 Author: Eric Knudsen Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1356/a03.html END DRUG WAR Re: "Police beef up drug team after bust," Sept. 4. The U.S. has shown time and time again that prohibition helps nobody except for the law enforcement organizations that profit from citizen tax dollars, and seized vehicles and property of the accused (although not necessarily convicted). Prohibition slowly erodes the rights of law-abiding citizens as well as those involved in drug-related activity. Thomas Jefferson once said: "Those who are willing to trade a little freedom for a little security will lose both and deserve neither." Drugs are here and have been from the beginning. Is it worth risking your freedom in an effort to remove another's? Once drugs are legal and regulated, our streets will be much safer as the black market loses a major commodity. Many true addicts will feel safer about accepting treatment. More education and compassion will defeat the need for more prisons. Eric Knudsen St. Louis Park, M.N. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake