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 
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MAP posted-by: Beth