Pubdate: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA) Copyright: 2009 San Jose Mercury News Contact: http://www.mercurynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/390 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n817/a08.html Author: Howard Wooldridge FOLLOW THE LEAD OF MEXICO Besides the excellent analysis by the Mercury News (Editorial, Aug. 24), California could further reduce its prison population by following the wise lead of Mexico. Last week President Calderon made simple possession of all drugs a noncriminal offense. Mexico understands that having the police chase, arrest and put simple users in front of a judge is a horrific waste of good police time. As a retired police officer, I heartily concur with Mexico's move to have my profession seek real public safety threats by not worrying about someone "sparking up." Howard Wooldridge Drug Policy Specialist Citizens Opposing Prohibition Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake