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.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake