Pubdate: Wed, 10 Dec 2008
Source: Metrowest Daily News (MA)
Copyright: 2008 MetroWest Daily News
Contact:  http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/619
Author: Peter Christopher
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1085/a09.html

PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN ON POT

I read with interest a telling missive by Norfolk  County Anti-Crime
Task Force Director, Deputy Chief  William G. Brooks 3rd, "How weed
was decriminalized"  (Nov. 3), responding to a Massachusetts Election
Day  referendum and wonder about his outrage when ONDCP  spends scarce
taxpayer funds to promote his position  despite what we know about the
extravagances of drug  war?

Pointing the finger at well meaning philanthropy to  help jump start
what we now find is the will of your  people, almost 70 percent, is
the real travesty. Mr.  Brooks, get used to it, the people have spoken
and it  is also the sentiment of America.

America prohibited pot without any real scientific  testimony, no
medical expertise and a media campaign  based on bigotry three
generations ago. Meanwhile,  science finds a host of medical
conditions that  marijuana treats effectively and objective review
finds  it less harmful than tobacco or alcohol products.

I ask Deputy Chief Brooks to contact LEAP, Law  Enforcement Against
Prohibition, and have a visit with  his colleagues to discuss
prohibition as law  enforcement professionals and not drug war sycophants.

 Peter Christopher

Hurdle Mills, N.C.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin