Pubdate: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 Source: Summit County Independent (CO) Copyright: 2004 Summit County Independent Daily Newspaper. Contact: http://www.independentdaily.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2928 Author: Scott Russ Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n283/a08.html Related: the front page introduction to this letter http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n293/a10.html STAN STRIKES A POINT ON CANNABIS AND CHRIST Thanks so much for publishing Stan White's letter. He understands the biblical importance of Kaneh Bosm and the true meaning of the spirit of Christ. Our government has criminalized nature (poppy, coca, cannabis), yet we expect those in need of money won't be tempted to grow and distribute these substances. America has been fighting the "drug war" for over 70 years now. The drug war has hypocritically terrorized and incarcerated millions of Americans and other citizens around the world. Drugs are not inherently good or bad. Those who use drugs are certainly not criminals unless they harm others or another's property. Our government's prohibition of certain drugs has created an unregulated black market in which any man, woman, child or terrorist may participate. Many adults use these now "illegal" substances and go on to live perfectly normal lives. Presidents, along with many other politicians and prominent members of our society, have admitted to using some of the very substances that are currently illegal. So you see, the demand is always going to be there by adults who, for the most part, use them responsibly. Our criminal law should be reserved for those who sell to minors and for those who use these substances irresponsibly by harming others or others' property. But we have no such control over the current market for "illicit" drugs. Before the 1930s we did have control over these substances. Then, for political and bigoted reasons, certain substances were criminalized. Then began our disrespect for government and law enforcement. We tried prohibition in dealing with alcohol. The results of that "noble experiment" were making Al Capone a rich man and corrupting our government, law enforcement and the judiciary along the way. Sound familiar? So, until we remove the black market aspect from our current illegal market, i.e. legal regulation, we will continue to see the crime, corruption, death, disease and terrorist funding associated with prohibition rise. I urge all citizens to contact their representatives and let them know that we demand social and healthcare solutions for those who have problems with drug use and not criminal justice solutions that leave the user and society in an ever-worsening disaster. Scott Russ Baton Rouge, La. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake