Pubdate: Fri, 25 Aug 2000 Source: Denver Post (CO) Copyright: 2000 The Denver Post Contact: 1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202 Fax: (303) 820.1502 Website: http://www.denverpost.com/ Forum: http://www.denverpost.com/voice/voice.htm Author: Scott Johnson BITTER COMEDY I find the issue of the ban on tobacco in Colorado's prisons somewhat comical but appalling as well. It's comical that correctional officers who smoke are whining that they can no longer do so on the job, without themselves becoming convicted felons. I am appalled at the hypocrisy of our lawmakers to ban tobacco use in all government buildings - except for the state capitol. This entire debate is extremely ludicrous! The ban on tobacco within Colorado's jails, "to reduce health care costs," has resulted in a black market of a "still legal" product. The temptation for prison staff to smuggle cigarettes into the jails and sell them for distribution among inmates, would be overwhelming. If inmates are willing to pay $100 for a pack of cigarettes ($1,000 a carton), someone will risk his job and freedom to supply them. Prohibition only breeds corruption. Prohibition on alcohol was a failure. The "so-called" War on Drugs is a failure, and now there's a war on tobacco that will surely fail as well. I find it ironic that the issue of legalizing marijuana (for medicinal purposes) will be on the November ballot while, at the same time, the witch hunt against cigarette smokers strengthens. It's an imperfect world we live in and tolerance of others' bad habits is needed badly! Individual choice and free will are what America was founded on and more laws that dictate personal freedom of choice will only fuel disillusionment, corruption and eventual revolt. SCOTT JOHNSON Aurora - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck