Pubdate: Mon, 18 Oct 2004 Source: Province, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 The Province Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476 Author: Russell Barth LEGALIZE AND REGULATE Since so many people are making and spending so much money in the drug trade, the answer should be simple to anyone -- legalize and regulate all drugs. If we had our own regulated drug system we could ensure quality control, reduce the number of deaths and general health risks and reduce drug use and abuse. We would also reduce the number of people pimping and prostituting themselves for drug money, reduce the number of robberies (which would lower insurance premiums), reduce the profits of the drug importers and dealers and their gangs, free up police time and resources so they can concentrate on real problems, and increase funding for rehabilitation and additional jail cells for violent criminals and sex offenders. So just why is it we are not doing this? Russell Barth, Ottawa - --- MAP posted-by: Derek