Pubdate: Wed, 12 Mar 2003
Source: Herald, The (WA)
Copyright: 2003 The Daily Herald Co.
Contact:  http://www.heraldnet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/190
Author: Darral Good

GOVERNMENT HAS BETTER THINGS TO DO

Recently the federal government has implemented "Operation Pipe
Dreams" and "Operation Headhunter," which have resulted in the
indictment of at least 50 online paraphernalia distributors.

At a time when our nation is at an elevated risk of a terror attack,
it is preposterous that the U.S. Justice Department would waste
limited federal law enforcement resources chasing after sellers of
products such as roach clips and rolling papers. These products are
legally sold at tobacco stored all across America. These businesses
pay taxes and do not in any way contribute to the crime problem in
America.

To target them at this time shows a total lack of understanding as to
which risks truly threaten the health, welfare and safety of America's
citizens.

It is time for the Justice Department to reassess its priorities and
stop wasting federal law enforcement resources on such trivial endeavors.

Federal efforts would undoubtedly be better served keeping a bomb out
of the hands of al-Qaida than keeping a bong out of the hands of a
marijuana smoker.

DARRAL GOOD

Lynnwood
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake