Pubdate: Mon, 08 Dec 2008
Source: Patriot Ledger, The  (Quincy, MA)
Copyright: 2008 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.patriotledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1619
Author: Ralph Givens
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1073/a07.html

BETTER PLACES TO PUT RESOURCES

Deputy chief of police William G. Brooks III begins singing dirges
before evidence of any harm emerges. Brooks chants the reefer madness
theme with the nerve of a burglar but offers no logical reason to
believe what he says. It is sad to hear a fellow who made a career of
invading pot smoker's privacy appeal to the desire to be left alone
as an alibi for continuing a lunatic policy. Most cannabis users
prefer not having a criminal record caused by a sadistic law. I
suspect that Brooks real complaint is the loss of easy money cops make
enforcing marijuana laws. Appearing in court, etc., earns police
officers mega-buck rewards in overtime pay. That's why they lie
about marijuana. Within a few months, the public will be irrevocably
convinced that marijuana poses very little danger. If deputy chief
Brooks wants a new mission, he can lead a crusade against teen
drinking.

Ralph Givens

Daly City, Calif.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin