Pubdate: Sat, 15 Apr 2006
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Brian Mason

BIKER CRIME ROOTED IN DRUGS

Lost amidst the gruesome headlines and photos of the gangland 
shootings is the understanding that organized crime has always 
operated in the domain of high-profit illegal activities. In the Al 
Capone era, it was booze and gambling and prostitution.

As the government moved in to regulate booze and gambling and to 
increase its revenues, organized crime went shopping for other 
lucrative ventures. Voila, the illegal drug trade.

Instead of watching the police use this latest violent episode to 
crank up the hysteria over biker gangs, let's just modify our drug 
laws. It's cheaper, safer, faster and more effective than the 
never-ending disaster of the war on drugs. Connect the dots.

Brian Mason,

Victoria.
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