Pubdate: Tue, 04 Oct 2005
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Dan Banov
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)

PROHIBITION HAS NEVER WORKED

THE EDITOR:

It seems every second week the news is reporting on the busting of some 
grow-op or drug operation. Houses are destroyed, people arrested, lives 
destroyed, the odd murder, illegal money, use of police and court time all 
come into play. Almost everyone has been affected by some drug crime. Why 
do we have all these problems? Because the government is attempting to 
control the moral behaviour of the public.

The American solution has historically been about international control of 
other countries and internal control of their citizens. In a recent study, 
53 per cent of Americans believe it is important to convert others to their 
moral standard. Only 26 per cent of Canadians believe in this moral control.

But we have elected a Liberal government that is under American control and 
if we choose the opposition the George W. Bush wannabe party, we would have 
these conservative socialist creating even more controls. The NDP is too 
concerned with their vested interests.

Only the Marijuana Party stands firm on the logical solution to clearing 
this social problem.

In the 1930s government tried to control use of alcohol. So how did making 
it illegal protect the public? It created drug wars [remember the old 
Elliott Ness movies], filled prisons, and wasted tax dollars, all in the 
name of public morality.

Prohibition did not work then and does not work now.

Prohibition laws telling people what they can consume or use are contrary 
to the freedom we have fought many wars for. Citizens should be able to 
choose their own TV shows, diets, religion, type of partner, drug or 
anything they wish as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.

Laws should protect people from others infringing on their rights - not 
forcing moral behaviours. For instance, laws to stop drinking driving or theft.

Government should help educate people to make right choices. It should tax 
drugs [like cigarettes and alcohol] to help pay for encouraging right or 
informed choices.

When you make a drug illegal, it is very difficult to control its use. 
Cigarettes are legal and controlled. I would say that a child has more 
difficulty getting cigarettes than most illegal drugs, so what does the 
illegal label do? It certainly does not control use.

I frequently hear the comments making it legal says it is OK and more will 
start using drugs. I say more [kids in particular] use drugs because they 
are illegal.

My personal moral values? I would consider a couple of Christians driving 
their children to church and smoking cigarettes to be a much worse crime 
than two adults choosing to go to a party to smoke a joint.

While I have never smoked marijuana or cigarettes, I do not think my values 
should be forced on others.

Dan Banov, Mission
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D