Pubdate: Wed, 07 Sep 2005
Source: Nanton News (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Nanton News
Contact:  http://www.nantonnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3200
Author: Rev Jim Lunsford
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n1431.a08.html

WISING UP ON METH

The recent editorial by Ian Watson indicated that he wanted stiffer
penalties for meth offenses to halt the spread. May I remind him that our
jails are one of the largest sectors of the American economy as a result of
just that type of thinking. In America, where we ban what we don't want to
think about, we have demonstrated all of the effects of such a mandatory
sentencing policy. And yet, we use the drugs heavily, mostly because people
seem to enjoy using drugs. Most of this drug problem is that the drugs are
not legal. By prohibiting them, they become even more desirable. And, the
addiction rate to meth is about the same as it always has been. Low.
Yet, the crime rate due to prohibition is extremely high. It seems
that the biggest benefit to drug prohibition is the legal industry.

Once you make something illegal, you certainly do create a need for
more police, more judges, lawyers, and prisons. And that money comes
out of education (a real preventive measure), health care (would you
choose to get sick down here without insurance?), and a healthy
citizenry. Perhaps instead of putting that money into prisons, maybe
you should think about putting it into the educational system so that
you will have a well-informed population. And possibly, they might
make better decisions. One that is a little more well-thought-out and
deeper than the "put them away for life" judgemental philosophy of
this un-christian nation. And maybe, this would be a bit more peaceful
world.

Rev Jim Lunsford

First Cannabist Church
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin