Pubdate: Fri, 28 Nov 2003
Source: Florida Today (Melbourne, FL)
Copyright: 2003 Florida Today
Contact:  http://www.flatoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/532
Author: Melanie Marshall

LIBERTARIANS RIGHT ON DRUG LAWS

Thank you for recently publishing letters suggesting serious changes to our 
drug policies, especially the recent letter headlined "Cannabis gets unfair 
reputation."

I've been watching the war on drugs for about seven years and think drug 
laws exist because certain people are making money from their sale, with 
prices boosted by their illegality.

America's drug policies should be completely overhauled to be based on 
science and medicine, not fear and illegal profit. Please ask your 
representative in Congress to consider legalization.

Drug abuse is a personal and medical problem, not a judicial one, just like 
alcohol abuse and nicotine addiction.

Unfortunately, the common belief that the war on drugs is saving us all 
from utter destruction is keeping many people employed.

But even the drug war supporters should be angry at how much drug activity 
there is, despite spending billions and arresting millions.

Chemical abuse is the real problem, because kids use legal and accessible 
things all the time to get a high, and those inhalants might be the most 
damaging thing they can do to their bodies and brains.

When we have more facts and justice, we'll have a more free and responsible 
society. I say, "Go Libertarians!"

Melanie Marshall Lakewood, Wash.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens