Pubdate: Wed, 15 Jul 2015
Source: Elko Daily Free Press (NV)
Copyright: 2015 Elko Daily Free Press
Contact:  http://www.elkodaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2326
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n388/a08.html

PRIVACY, FREEDOM AT STAKE IN DRUG WAR

Editor:

Regarding your July 10 editorial on civil asset forfeiture, vague 
allegations of drug trafficking don't justify turning protectors of 
the peace into financial predators. The drug war threatens the 
integrity of a country founded on the concept of limited government.

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

The drug war is largely a war on marijuana consumers. Based on 
findings that criminal records are inappropriate as health 
interventions and ineffective as deterrents, a majority of European 
Union countries have decriminalized marijuana. Despite marijuana 
prohibition and perhaps because of forbidden fruit appeal, lifetime 
use of marijuana is higher in the U.S. than any European country.

The Land of the Free now has the highest incarceration rate in the 
world, in large part due to the war on non-corporate 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, MPA

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom