Pubdate: Sat, 12 Apr 2003
Source: Capital Times, The  (WI)
Page: 9A
Copyright: 2003 The Capital Times
Contact:  http://www.captimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/73
Author: Andrew Bea

CRACKDOWN ON POT PIPES SHOWS SKEWED PRIORITIES

Dear editor:
A recent massive, well-coordinated bust by law enforcement agencies across 
the country resulted in shutting down dozens of businesses that 
manufactured glass pipes, including one operated by well-known comedian 
Tommy Chong.

The government contends that although the companies claim they sold these 
products for tobacco use only, the pipes were clearly designed and intended 
to be used for the illegal act of smoking marijuana.

According to Drug Enforcement Administration head John B. Brown III, 
"People selling drug paraphernalia are in essence no different than drug 
dealers."

The crackdown has led to numerous shops that sell "smoking accessories" 
coast-to-coast either closing their doors or liquidating their merchandise. 
It has even affected a number of stores here in Madison, mostly State 
Street businesses.

During a time when most Americans are worried about things like war and 
terrorism, the DEA and other agencies are choosing to use their time and 
resources to indict small-time artisans and shopkeepers. John Ashcroft and 
drug czar John P. Walters claim that closing these businesses will protect 
our nation's children from accessing drug paraphernalia, ignoring the fact 
that the stores made every effort not to sell to minors.

If the threat of terrorism is as serious and real as the evidence suggests, 
should busting Tommy Chong be the federal government's top priority?

Andrew Bea,  Madison
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom