Pubdate: Wed, 03 Oct 2007
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2007 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Michael Cust

WHY INVITE ANOTHER HIV CRISIS?

There is rich irony in the statement from Canadian Police Association 
president Tony Cannavino, when he says the Tories' tough-on-drugs 
approach is welcome "because a lot of violence is related to drugs." 
The reason there is violence in the illegal drug trade is because 
drugs are unlawful property. Police don't protect the ownership of 
drugs, so drugs are often stolen from producers and sellers. Further, 
because courts don't settle disputes regarding contraband, dealers 
can and do resort to violence.

Thus, prohibition artificially raises the level of crime and violence 
and artificially increases the need to give more money and power to 
those entrusted with maintaining order -- like the police. Mr. 
Cannavino's statement is ironic because, contrary to what he seems to 
suggest, he in fact welcomes the violence surrounding the drug trade 
- -- it means more jobs for members of his union.

Michael Cust

Vancouver.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman