Pubdate: Sat, 12 May 2012
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
Copyright: 2012 Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Contact:  http://www.telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/509
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n255/a01.html

WAR ON DRUGS INFRINGES ON FREEDOMS

This is regarding an article stating: "The financial incentives
created by civil asset forfeiture laws create a dangerous precedent"
(Telegram & Gazette, May 1). Police can confiscate cars, cash and
homes without bothering to charge owners with a crime. Vague
allegations of drug trafficking don't justify turning protectors of
the peace into financial predators. The drug war threatens the
integrity of a country founded on the concept of limited government.

Police searches on public transit, drug-sniffing dogs in schools, and
random drug testing have led to a loss of civil liberties, while
failing miserably at preventing drug use. Despite marijuana
prohibition and perhaps because of forbidden-fruit appeal, lifetime
use of marijuana is higher in the United States than in any European
country, a majority of which have decriminalized marijuana.

The U.S. now has the highest incarceration rate in the world, in large
part due to the war on some drugs. This is big government at its worst.

It's not possible to wage a moralistic war against consensual vices
unless privacy is completely eliminated, along with the Constitution.
America can be a free country or a "drug-free" country, but not both.

ROBERT SHARPE

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.
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