Pubdate: Tue, 27 Dec 2011
Source: Times Herald, The (Port Huron, MI)
Copyright: 2011 The Times Herald
Contact: http://www.thetimesherald.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.thetimesherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2570
Author: Greg Francisco

WAR ON DRUGS WON'T SOLVE CRIME PROBLEM

Re: "Police chief to wage war on drugs," the Times Herald's Dec. 15 opinion:

Police Chief Michael Reaves said at least 90% of the crime in Port 
Huron is drug-related. City Manager Bruce Brown said it's time for a 
reinvigorated war on drugs. What they won't say is 90% of so-called 
"drug crime" is caused by drug prohibition, not the drugs themselves.

When was the last time the Times Herald reported a drive-by shooting 
at Kroger between the Miller Mob and the Coors Crew, who were trying 
to protect their turf on aisle nine?

How many stories have you run about home invaders targeting 
clandestine tobacco growers? Do pharmacists in Port Huron put guns to 
the heads of clients who don't pay?

Call it a war on drugs. Call it Prohibition. By any name, it has 
never worked, and there is no reason to believe more of the same will 
work any better.

Want to reduce crime? There is a better way. Legalize, regulate, tax 
and control.

GREG FRANCISCO

Paw Paw
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart