Pubdate: Thu, 02 Apr 2009
Source: Georgia Straight, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 The Georgia Straight
Contact:  http://www.straight.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1084
Author: Monica Kumar
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n351/a03.html

LET'S GET THE AVERAGE COPS' OPINIONS ON DRUGS

With all of the theoretical and rational discourse around the harmful
impact on every level and aspect of society the war on drugs has, it
is unfortunate that we are not privy to cops' opinions on the subject
["Cop calls to legalize drugs", March 19-26].

Whether they are bound by an implicit or explicit code of silence on
this issue, they could be the best group of people to provide us with
a realistic and educated opinion, both through their firsthand
perspective and because of the respect that people could have for their
view.

It is a disservice that their opinion is not actively pursued, which
would not make it gospel but could only make the argument for either
side of the debate stronger. If the police force is afraid of creating
a divided appearance by allowing individual officers to speak on a
personal level, the united front they are feeding us is an illusion
anyway.

Monica Kumar

Vancouver
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