Pubdate: Wed, 19 Mar 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
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n391/a06.htmlUKP1656

WHAT CHARTER?

Dear Editor:

Re: Recent pot bust has police thirsting for more (March 12, Airdrie Echo).

Another day, another warmed-over police press release served up by the 
media to persuade us that some of the negative, unintended consequences of 
drug prohibition is all the proof we need that "drugs are bad" and that we 
should all continue to support the program that spawned the problems in the 
first place.

Why do you not challenge the police when they ladle out this sort of 
claptrap? Trust me, your readers are not simpletons.

Drug prohibition was initiated almost a century ago to "control" blacks 
(marijuana), Chinese (opium) and Mexicans (marijuana). Today, its purpose 
remains to distract attention away from government failures in other areas 
and to provide a measure of vicarious enjoyment for the majority by 
persecuting an innocent minority.

Charter? What Charter?

Alan Randell

Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Beth