Pubdate: Thu, 20 Nov 2003
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Copyright: 2003 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.jsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265
Author: Randy Vizyak
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hea.htm (Higher Education Act)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1798/a05.html

IN VICTIMLESS CRIME, SUCH LAWS AREN'T FAIR

I have to commend the Editorial Board on the Nov. 17 editorial "The makings
of bad law."

The Assembly bill that denies financial aid to students convicted of selling
drugs punishes a drug offender more severely than an armed robber or
murderer. It's OK if a student steals my car, just as long as he doesn't
grow a marijuana plant.

The bill should be defeated in the Senate. However, I must challenge the
board on the statement "Drug dealing is a serious offense." That's true in
the same way that selling liquor was a serious offense in 1929. Punishment
should be inflicted on those who commit crimes against people and property,
where there are victims.

If my neighbors smoke marijuana or opium in the privacy of their homes, they
do me no injury; it is no different than if they drink beer or gin in
private. So why do we punish them and their suppliers? In the name of
justice, we should either reinstate alcohol prohibition or end the current
drug prohibition.

Randy Vizyak

Mukwonago
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MAP posted-by: Josh