Pubdate: Tue, 12 Jun 2001
Source: Charleston Daily Mail (WV)
Copyright: 2001 Charleston Daily Mail
Contact:  http://www.dailymail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/76
Author: Kirk Muse
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n792/a08.html ("=8ALosing Bat
tle")

WILL GOVERNMENT BAN FRIES, BURGERS?

Karin Fischer's column, "Drug war a losing battle," in the May 3 
Daily Mail, was right on the mark. However, she didn't cover two 
issues:

1) The reason the failed war on (some) drugs continues is because of 
the vested interest of certain people, industries and institutions. 
Until this issue is resolved, the war on (some) drugs will continue 
to expand.

And our personal liberties and freedom will continue to shrink.

2) What is the proper role of government in a free country? If the 
government can tell its adult citizens what herbs and recreational 
drugs they cannot consume, can it also tell us what foods we may not 
eat?

Every justification for the prohibition of recreational drugs can 
also be made for the prohibition of cheeseburgers, french fries and a 
long list of other unhealthy foods.

Do we want our government arresting and jailing people for eating 
foods deemed unhealthy by our government? No.

Do we want our police arresting each other for eating doughnuts? Maybe.

Kirk Muse

Vancouver, Wash.
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe