Pubdate: Fri, 27 Jan 2012
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2012 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: James Dubro

BILLIONS, MADE LEGAL

While it is true that, overall, crime rates are down, street gangs 
and organized crime groups, often fighting with rival groups or 
gangs, continue to flourish (Canadians Get It: Crime Is On The 
Decline - Jan. 26).

This year, gang violence in Vancouver and Montreal, for example, has 
already brought shootings in the street and firebombs. This is, in 
part, because people want products or services that are prohibited or 
tightly regulated by government. An end to the prohibition of 
marijuana, as suggested by the Liberals, would get at organized crime 
and street gangs where it hurts - in their pocketbooks - since the 
value of annual marijuana sales in Canada is measured in the billions.

James Dubro,

Toronto
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom