Pubdate: Wed, 14 Sep 2005
Source: Alliston Herald (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact: http://www.simcoe.com/sc/alliston/contact/v-scv3/
Website: http://www.simcoe.com/sc/alliston/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2224
Author: George Kosinski
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

THE BEST WAY TO BE RID OF DRUGS IS WITH LAW

There are some serious problems with MPP Garfield Dunlop's analysis
(Herald Weekend Aug. 26) perhaps originating from the fact community
safety and correctional services often have conflicting goals; thus,
being party critic for both may prove problematic.

Mr. Dunlop's complaints are essentially irrelevant, as the most
effective way to eliminate illegal drug production facilities is by
bringing all drug production under the rubric of legal, regulated procedures.

This is not to say that crystal meth should be legally available, but
if milder forms of amphetamines, which were legal in the past, were
legally available today, there would most likely be far less interest
in crystal meth. Perhaps even so little interest as to be financially
unrewarding for the black market.

OPPA President Brian Adkin's assertion that "targeted drug enforcement
is the most effective and proven method to disrupt this activity and
those profiting from these means" is absurd nonsense.

It is contra-indicated not only by the fact illegal drugs are more
readily available than ever before, but also by the repeal of alcohol
prohibition.

Prohibition's repeal wiped out the involvement of criminal
organizations in the production and distribution of alcohol -- and the
associated violence -- and did so overnight.

I should add tangentially that Mr. Adkin, who is certainly not alone
in this regard, is clearly unable to distinguish between the effects
of drugs and the effects of drug prohibition.

There is no violence related to marijuana production, while there is
indeed substantial violence related to marijuana prohibition.

How could it be otherwise, when those who wish to commit violent
thefts from marijuana wholesalers and retailers have the confidence of
knowing their victims won't be going to the police to lay charges?

Civilians suffer in every war, and the war on some drugs is no
exception. The correctional services industry (actually, the law
enforcement industry in general) benefits from marijuana
prohibition.

Community safety benefits from marijuana legalization which, among
other things, would move marijuana farming to the fields where it belongs.

Take your pick, but don't pretend you don't have a choice.

George Kosinski,

Gibsons, B.C.
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