Pubdate: Wed, 08 Feb 2006 Source: Okotoks Western Wheel (CN AB) Copyright: 2006, Okotoks Western Wheel Contact: http://www.westernwheel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1638 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n145/a04.html Author: Greg Francisco Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) A FINE BETTER THAN AN EXPENSIVE JAIL TERM Dear Editor, Congratulations. Editor John Barlow appears to have found the magic answer to drug abuse. ("Punishment does not fit crime", Feb. 1 issue). A criminal is caught dealing drugs where another had just been caught and sent to prison the week before? The answer? Send the second to jail for even longer. Druggies are getting off easy through plea bargains? The answer? Take each and every petty drug case to the expense of a full jury trial. Warehouse tens of thousands of low level, non violent drug users in far flung prison camps only to discover drugs are cheaper, more plentiful and more potent than ever before? Simply build more prisons. Yes, Mr. Barlow seems to have all the answers. Just one question remains; who is going to pay for it? Legalize, regulate and tax. There is a better way. Greg Francisco Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Paw Paw, MI - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman