Pubdate: Wed, 28 Dec 2005
Source: Pilot, The (NC)
Copyright: 2005 The Pilot LLC
Contact:  http://www.thepilot.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1701
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1976/a06.html
Author: Kirk Muse
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

DRUG WAR UNWINNABLE

I'm writing about Maryann McCormick's guest column (Dec. 16), 
"Legalizing Drugs Is a Really Terrible Idea." My question for 
McCormick: Why does she want our now illegal drugs to remain 
completely unregulated, untaxed and controlled by criminals?

Norm Stamper is the former chief of police of Seattle, Wash., and he 
wrote in The Seattle Times: "Legalize drugs -- all of them." Stamper 
is a member of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition). Four years 
ago, LEAP didn't exist. Today they have more than 4,500 members who 
are current or former drug warriors (law enforcement personnel, DEA 
agents, judges and prosecutors).

Why do so many drug warriors want to end our drug prohibition 
policies? Could it be that they know from personal experience that 
our drug war is counterproductive and not winnable?

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman