Pubdate: Thu, 16 Aug 2007
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Chris Buors

PROHIBITION BREEDS GUNPLAY

Perhaps Michael Smyth can point to one historical example where 
severe punishments actually reduced crime, before he rails against 
Sen. Larry Campbell's solution of repealing prohibition.

During prohibition, Al Capone shot up Chicago's streets to settle 
territorial disputes when he took charge of alcohol sales and 
distribution. Once prohibition ended, so did all the gunplay to 
control the market.

As long as drug prohibition exists, Canadians can expect more and 
worse violence, no matter what kind of gun-law chicanery Prime 
Minister Stephen Harper introduces.

In Jamaica, possession of a single bullet gets you 20 years in 
prison. Criminals regularly fight it out with the police rather than 
rot in jail for the rest of their lives.

Jamaica is awash in drugs and guns to control that market, despite 
the harshness of the laws.

Canada will suffer similarly if it follows this path.

Larry Campbell for prime minister is what this country needs to end 
gunplay on the streets.

Chris Buors,

Winnipeg
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman