Pubdate: Fri, 11 Jun 2004
Source: Ancaster News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 Brabant Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.ancasternews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3386
Author: Alan Randell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

MAJORITY RUINING LIVES OF INNOCENT MINORITY

Re: Cops Hope To Get Anti-Marijuana Message Out to Local Teens, May 28, The 
News.

Why do governments prohibit certain drugs?

Is it to reduce the number of people using the drugs? No, that can't be the 
reason because usage seems to have skyrocketed.

Before marijuana was prohibited, hardly anyone used it. Now, it is 
difficult to find anyone who has not used it. Is it to protect users from harm?

No, that can't be the reason because users suffer more (adulterated drugs 
and jail time) when a drug is banned as compared to when it is legally 
available.

My wife and I became well acquainted with this aspect of government policy 
when we lost our 19-year-old son to street heroin in 1993. Many more people 
died from the effects of bad booze during Prohibition than when alcohol was 
legally available. The harm argument is moot in any event because two of 
our more dangerous drugs, alcohol and tobacco, are legal.

Is it to reduce the crime associated with illegal drugs?

No, that can't be the reason because banning a drug always gives rise to 
more crime (drug cartels, petty crimes by users as prohibition makes drug 
prices much higher, violent disputes between dealers, etc.) than when the 
drug is legally available.

Is it a brutal, Hitler-like program m to distract and entertain the 
majority by ruining the lives of the innocent minority who ingest or sell 
certain drugs? Bingo!

Alan Randell

Victoria, B.C.
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