Pubdate: Fri, 4 Jan 2008
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2008 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsor/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Tim Roberts

LEGALIZE DRUG SALES AND CUT NATION'S GUN VIOLENCE

We like to say Canada doesn't have the gun crime problems of the 
United States. While it's true we don't have as many psychopaths 
gunning down random people at schools and shopping malls, anyone who 
watches the news can see the rise in drug-related crime and shootings.

The only thing stopping handguns from getting into the hands of 
criminals in Canada are laws on paper and people who are in the 
business of selling hard drugs for a living have already proven they 
care little for obeying laws. We need to take away the incentive for 
these people to be on the streets selling drugs and gunning down 
their competition and innocent bystanders.

To do this, we need to legalize and regulate the sale of all drugs, 
just like alcohol and tobacco. By doing this, we essentially drive 
the thugs out of the business by undercutting their prices and 
offering better customer service. All the money spent on the drug war 
could be used to help victims of abuse and create education and 
rehabilitation programs for addicts.

If you consider the additional tax money we'd gain from this, it 
makes a lot of sense. We're never going to get rid of the black 
market for drugs. So why not bring it into the open and regulate it? 
The LCBO and the Beer Store never have shootouts.

Tim Roberts

LaSalle 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake