Pubdate: Fri, 16 Aug 2013
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2013 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.utsandiego.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Author: Robert Sharpe

DRUG FIGHT STOMPS ON CITIZENS' RIGHTS

On Steven Greenhut's Aug. 13 column, "Forfeiture laws turn public
officials into profiteers," the financial incentives created by civil
asset forfeiture laws create a dangerous precedent. Police can
confiscate cars, cash and homes without bothering to charge owners
with a crime. Vague allegations of drug trafficking don't justify
turning protectors of the peace into financial predators.

Warrantless government surveillance, drug-sniffing dogs in schools and
widespread random drug testing have led to a loss of civil liberties,
while failing miserably at preventing drug use.

A majority of European Union countries have decriminalized marijuana.
Despite marijuana prohibition, lifetime use of marijuana is higher in
the United States than in any European country.

The United States now has the highest incarceration rate in the world,
in large part due to the war on some drugs.

This is big government at its worst. It's not possible to wage a
moralistic war against consensual vices unless privacy is completely
eliminated, along with the U.S. Constitution.

America can be a free country or a "drug-free" country, but not
both.

Robert Sharpe

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.
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