Pubdate: Fri, 15 Oct 2004 Source: Langley Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 BC Newspaper Group and New Media Development Contact: http://www.langleytimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1230 Author: Harry D. Fisher Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1336/a01.html?154268 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1403/a01.html?159082 REACTION DROWNED OUT VALID LEGALIZATION POINTS Editor: Tim Felger's Christians-and-lions comment (The Times, Oct. 1) certainly caused a ruckus, and perhaps his choice of words was unfortunate in our current sensitive zeitgeist. He did make other points in his letter, but those have been drowned out by the outrage over the religious reference. Phil Lacasse wrote (The Times, Oct. 8) in answer to Felger: "Marijuana is not a victimless crime. Every grow operation is a danger to the entire community it is located in. Fires, "grow-rips" and the infusion of unwanted persons affects communities. The violence and related criminal activity are not victimless." These bad things come from the fact that marijuana use is illegal, Felger's point exactly. Why Lacasse prefers criminal gangs, violence, and extortion over a lawful system of regulation is beyond me. What's worse: the violent crime associated with the prohibition, or some people smoking marijuana in their home? We've been there before, south of the border. Not content to savage marijuana use, Lacasse goes on: "Prostitution, which destroys families, spreads disease and litters our community parks, roads and properties is not victimless. When women and girls are sold into or forced into prostitution, it is not victimless." Again, if prostitution were legal and regulated, all these evils would stop. Prostitution could be made safe, medically, legally, and with respect to being forced or sold. Unfortunately, when the subject is emotion-laden, reason takes a hit. Harry D. Fisher Woodland Hills, California - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin