Pubdate: Sun, 17 May 2009
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2009 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Author: Dave Lane
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n508/a01.html

PROHIBITION PROMOTES VIOLENCE

In her May 8 letter, "Repealing penalties slights goal of law," 
Sandra S. Bennett attempts, with her (limited) knowledge of history, 
to justify incarcerating people for using or selling drugs. If she 
had any real knowledge of history she would recognize that humans 
have used mind-altering substances since we have been on the planet.

Prior to 1913, when all drugs were legal, the term drug-related crime 
did not exist.

Prohibition creates the black market and the organized crime and 
violence that go with it. When drugs were legal personal 
responsibility really meant something.

People like Bennett who are fear-mongers help to maintain the current 
situation where everyone is penalized for some people's choice to use drugs.

Dave Lane

Santa Cruz, Calif.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom