Pubdate: Mon, 01 Aug 2005 Source: Oregonian, The (Portland, OR) Copyright: 2005 The Oregonian Contact: http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324 Author: Joshua Seeds Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) DRUG, CRIME POLICIES UPSIDE DOWN In The Oregonian for July 27, I saw two seemingly unrelated articles. One discussed the unwillingness of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to deal with the methamphetamine problem since it focuses to an irrational degree on marijuana ("Meth panel demands leadership"). The other article detailed Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto's going to great lengths to help a wealthy domestic-abuse victim ("Sheriff lends extra help to 'close friend' "). That article went on further to reveal the unconscionable lack of justice and protection for abused women and children in an overloaded system. Let me get this straight: Our "leaders" think we need to continue to throw harmless people in jail for marijuana because it is somehow dangerous to families. Meanwhile, actual dangers to families -- such as meth addiction and terrifying levels of domestic violence -- go ignored. Maybe it is time for cannabis legalization. And maybe it is time to replace our "leaders" with individuals who actually care about the people. End the violence! JOSHUA SEEDS Southeast Portland - --- MAP posted-by: Beth