Pubdate: Wed, 22 Jan 2003 Source: Goldstream Gazette (CN BC) Copyright: 2003 Goldstream Gazette Contact: http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1291 Author: Chuck Beyer Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n084/a05.html PROPOSED PENALTY SEVERE Letter writer Bob Thompson (Weekend Edition, Jan. 17) laments that we do not live in a society that will put drug traffickers in jail for life. First, there is the fact that the biggest drug trafficker is the government and the government is out to maintain a monopoly for two of the most dangerous drugs around. Last year, marijuana killed no one at all, and hard drugs killed less that 10, 000 in all of North America. The government-sanctioned products killed hundreds of thousands as did fatty foods. Why stop at drug traffickers? How about fast-food moguls who also kill hundreds of thousands? Should we have police officers at that second window at the drive through pinching an inch to see if you are an abuser? The society that Bob Thompson would like to see could quickly metamorphize into one that takes a dim view of those who would write letters to editors. He should be careful about his choice of the dock as he may be next in line. - --Chuck Beyer, Victoria - --- MAP posted-by: Josh