Pubdate: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL) Copyright: 2002 Orlando Sentinel Contact: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325 Author: Jack Schwartz GENIE'S OUT OF BOTTLE Because pornography, as well as the simulated sex presented by much of the entertainment industry, has permeated through every communications and visual outlet throughout this country, I believe it would now be fruitless even to attempt to squeeze the "genie of pornography" back into that bottle. Therefore, instead of an intensified drive by the MBI against pornographers, I believe it would be more beneficial to society as a whole if law enforcement would concentrate on curtailing, if not eliminating, the criminal activities of drug traffickers, distributors and pushers. However, I have become convinced that the use of proscribed narcotics should be decriminalized and addicts be treated medically instead of being arrested and jailed because of an addiction over which they may have no control. Addicted alcoholics and smokers are not incarcerated, except voluntarily, into treatment centers and/or hospitals. Why are drug users who have not committed any crimes except against themselves thrown into a jail or prison with real criminals? Yes, drug addicts are a burden on the nation's resources, but so are alcoholics and smokers. Decriminalizing the use of controlled substances would essentially bankrupt all of the drug lords and their intermediates who profit from the life-destroying misery they heap upon susceptible human beings, mostly the young adults of any community. Jack Schwartz Orlando - --- MAP posted-by: Alex