Pubdate: Wed, 12 Feb 2003
Source: Airdrie Echo (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 Airdrie Echo
Contact:  http://www.airdrieecho.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1558
Author: Alan Randell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

POT BUST STORY MISSES THE POINT

Dear Editor:

Re: Cops bust pot-growing operation, Feb. 6.

Do you realize what you're doing? Could you be any more supportive of big 
government as it tries to stamp out any semblance of freedom amongst its 
citizens?

Drug prohibition was initiated during the first half of the 20th century as 
a means of harassing and "controlling" blacks (marijuana) and Chinese 
(opium). In these supposedly more tolerant times, the most enthusiastic 
supporters of that racist legislation are the police -- who are eager to 
make use of these laws to harass and control those whose appearance or 
lifestyle offends them -- and politicians -- who lean on them to garner 
votes for being "tough on drugs." Naturally, the police try to avoid 
arresting the offspring of such influential individuals as politicians or 
newspaper editors.

Describing drug busts and their aftermath as if such police actions are 
normal and acceptable only lends support to drug prohibition. Suppressing 
the voices of those punished, their families and friends, as well as those 
of us who oppose these ridiculous laws, naturally serves to further dampen 
any protest.

It's time to finish the job we started when we ended alcohol prohibition 
and end the prohibition of all drugs.

And it's long past time that newspapers such as yours begin to serve the 
public, rather than our venal and manipulative police officers and 
political leaders.

Alan Randell, Victoria, B. C.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager