Pubdate: November 24, 1999
Source:   Comox Valley Record (CN BC)
Contact: 250-338-5811
Fax: 250-338-5568
Address: 765 McPhee Ave./Box 3729, Courtenay, B.C., V9N 7P1
Author:   Andrew Nicoll

WAR ON DRUGS CREATES IMPORTANT JOB SPIN-OFFS

Sir,

Decriminalize drugs?

Think of a new way to deal with the problem? What shocking
suggestions. Imagine the calamity that would befall society if the
state ceased its tireless attempt to control what people put into
their own bodies.

This would mean that people would be forced to be responsible for
themselves. We can't have that. Just think of the job loss. The war on
drugs creates many important job spin-offs that people who make such
preposterous suggestions obviously haven't considered.

When that drug addict breaks into your house the police are just the
beginning of many valuable service providers who rely on the war on
drugs for their very livelihood. There are legal aid lawyers,
prosecutors, judges, court reporters, jailers, probation officers and
all their support staff. There are also all the home security and
insurance companies to think of. Hundreds of drug dealers and fences
would also lose their livelihood.

Having your personal belongings rifled through, your stereo, TV and a
few dozen CDs ripped off just so that some crack head can get the $200
he needs in order to get high for a couple of hours is a small price
to pay when you consider the benefits.

I suggest to all those who depend on the war on drugs: begin an
immediate campaign to create awareness for the cause. Such a campaign
could begin with hundreds of bumper stickers that say: The War on
Drugs Feeds my Family.

Andrew Nicoll
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