Pubdate: Thu, 29 May 2003
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Kirk Tousaw
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk

LEGALIZE IT

RE: "BILL will boost crime, cops say," May 28. Deputy chief Mike Bradshaw's 
comments betray an all-too-typical lack of logic. For example, he believes 
that decriminalization will increase crime, but admits that the current 
regime does nothing to prevent cannabis use and trafficking. He alleges 
that it will be hard to tell kids not to use cannabis if the government is 
decriminalizing - but Bill 38 does not decriminalize anything, it merely 
alters the penalties. Moreover, I assume that deputy chief Bradshaw is able 
to tell kids not to smoke tobacco, drink alcohol or abuse over-the-counter 
medication, all of which are legal. But, most importantly, he should 
realize that the only way to end the black market in cannabis is to 
legalize it. End prohibition and you end the involvement of organized 
crime. There are no turf wars over coffee, are there?

Kirk Tousaw

(You've never seen Second Cup employees duke it out with a Starbucks barista.)
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart