Pubdate: Mon, 03 Oct 2005
Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.winnipegsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1550/a07.html
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

JUST SAY NO TO DRUG WAR

Re: RCMP inaction 'a national disgrace' (Bob Marshall, Sept. 28).

The fact that the drug war cannot keep drugs out of Canada's prisons, much 
less schools, is indicative of its inherent failure. Consider the 
experience of the former land of the free and current record holder in 
citizens incarcerated. Police searches on public transit, drug-sniffing 
dogs in schools and random drug testing have led to a loss of civil 
liberties in the United States while failing miserably at preventing drug use.

The drug war is in large part a war on marijuana, by far the most popular 
illicit drug. Based on findings that criminal records are inappropriate as 
health interventions and ineffective as deterrents, a majority of European 
Union countries have decriminalized marijuana. Despite marijuana 
prohibition and perhaps because of forbidden fruit appeal, lifetime use of 
marijuana is higher in the U.S. than any European country.

Canada should follow the lead of Europe and Just Say No to the American 
Inquisition.

Robert Sharpe

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.

(That seems to be where we're headed.)
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D