Pubdate: Wed, 22 Dec 2004 Source: Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber (WA) Copyright: 2004 Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Contact: http://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2606 Author: Howard J. Wooldridge Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1679/a02.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) TREATMENT IS CHOICE OVER JAIL J.B. Cole is correct in that marijuana is a mind-altering drug that like alcohol, etc, all should avoid. After that truth, Mr. Cole engaged in a bit of his own "reefer madness." The most glaring "fact" involved treatment. More kids are in treatment for pot than alcohol because they are given a choice -- treatment or jail. They rarely, if ever, are given that Faustian choice with alcohol. Of course, kids choose treatment, even if they don't need it. Mr. Cole failed to mention that because my colleagues spend so much time chasing pot, DUIs are much freer to slaughter innocents. Marijuana prohibition actually reduces public safety. Marijuana prohibition has made it easier for our teens to buy pot than whiskey for the past 25 years, according to all federal surveys. To make pot as hard to buy as whiskey, we will need to legalize, regulate and tax it. With the taxes generated, we could fund first class treatment programs, for those who need it. Howard J. Wooldridge (retired) Media Director, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (www.leap.cc) - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager