Pubdate: Sun, 30 Nov 2003
Source: Stillwater News Press (OK)
Copyright: 2003 Stillwater News Press
Contact:  http://www.stwnewspress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/789
Author:  David Grussing, Stillwater
Referenced:  http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1834/a06.html?1232

DRUG CRIMES NOT VICTIMLESS

Ron du Bois' letter published Nov. 26 establishes a new low for his 
disregard for facts. The gentleman in Logan County was not killed because 
he possessed marijuana, he was killed because he picked up a loaded rifle, 
pointed it at a police officer and disregarded commands to drop the weapon. 
I am curious if du Bois would show the same remorse about the loss of life 
if it had been a police officer killed.

Du Bois wrote raids on meth labs are the "consequence of prohibition" and 
the end of "controls and regulation would greatly reduce the harm." Nothing 
could be further from the truth. The addictive effects of methamphetamine 
will remain the same whether it remains illegal.

I have been a police officer in Stillwater for nearly 17 years and have 
observed hundreds of people arrested for drug-related offenses. Virtually 
everyone arrested for a drug offense is also charged with other crimes. The 
few arrested for simple possession typically pay a fine and go on with 
their lives. Simple possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor; it is 
impossible to be sent to prison for marijuana possession.

Drug offenses are not the victimless. The sooner du Bois can accept that 
fact, the better.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman