Pubdate: Mon, 09 Mar 2009
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2009 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/info/letters/index.html
Website: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Michael Dowling

CONSIDER LEGALIZING DRUGS

Re: Legal window dressing, March 3.

Regarding Al Yakimchuk's letter, I cannot understand why governments 
aren't at least considering legalization of drugs -- after all, 
everything tried in the last 95 years since the passing of the 
Harrison Act (U.S.) has failed miserably. The U.S. has more people in 
prison for drug offences than almost any other country, and yet drugs 
are more accessible and cheaper than ever.

Yakimchuk's suggestion for longer and harsher prison sentences is 
doomed to failure. I have read that in the 18th century in England, 
pickpockets would work the crowds assembled to watch condemned 
pickpockets being hanged.

It isn't only the Liberals and NDP who are pushing for repeal of drug 
legislation. Police and judges are rapidly coming around to the idea 
that drug prohibition just doesn't work, and causes much more misery 
than it is worth.

MICHAEL DOWLING

Winnipeg
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