Pubdate: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 Source: Palm Beach Post, The (FL) Copyright: 2009 The Palm Beach Post Contact: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/333 Author: Howard J. Wooldridge PUT LAW ENFORCEMENT TO WORK ON REAL CRIMES, CRIMINALS As a retired Michigan street cop, I can add only one element to Rhonda Swan's excellent analysis of marijuana prohibition; namely that public safety is reduced because of the prohibition. My profession spends literally millions of hours chasing the Michael Phelpses of the world and their suppliers. Every such hour spent means less time for the deadly DUI, the rapist, the child molester, the people flying airplanes into buildings. Moreover, I know that the state, through its police force, cannot stop personal stupidity done in the privacy of one's home. Only family and friends can stop such behavior. My profession must return to its original task: public safety. HOWARD WOOLDRIDGE, education specialist Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Washington - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom