Pubdate: Sat, 03 May 2003
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyitoronto.com/torsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Jay Bergstrom
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n630/a12.html?1183
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk

DECRIMINALIZATION IS FOLLY

RE "CRITICS: New pot law will bug U.S." (May, 1): Kathleen Harris' article 
quotes John Walters, U.S. drug czar, saying decriminalization makes little 
sense. "When you make the penalties minimal you get more drug use, you get 
more drug addiction, you get more drug production, you get more drug 
crime," he said. For the first time since Walters was named to the junta, 
he has spoken a speck of truth. But it is just a deke, as he follows up 
with one of the classic myths from the propaganda playbook, "you get more 
drug crime." No, the truth is you get more prohibition-related crime. Our 
experience with alcohol shows Walters' advice to be that of a fool. Your 
Senate's report clearly shows decriminalization is folly and makes little 
sense. Legalization is where the path leads. It is a goal attainable by 
free Canadians, covered by their Charter of Rights.

Jay Bergstrom

Sacramento, Calif.

(This is one war the U.S. won't win)
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom