Pubdate: Fri, 19 Oct 2012
Source: Delta Optimist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.delta-optimist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1265
Author: E.W. Bopp
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n522/a09.html

'SANE VOICES' UNDERSTAND LEGALIZING MARIJUANA WON'T MAKE CRIME DISAPPEAR

Editor:

Re: Mayor opposed to legalizing pot, Oct. 12

At a recent Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria, a 
majority of municipal leaders voted in favour of a resolution calling 
for the decriminalization and taxation of marijuana.

Legalize pot and - presto - gang-related violent crime in our 
communities and fear among our citizens would disappear.

But wait, that's not all! The collateral benefit of a "potted" Canada 
will be of having solved, virtually overnight, Canada's problem of 
declining tourism from south of the border and elsewhere.

Just think of the enormous tourism potential of a mass influx of 
drug-deprived folks descending on the "True North, Strong and Free 
and Legally Drugged," pouring untold millions of much-needed dollars 
into our struggling economy ... with many undoubtedly wishing to stay 
permanently.

Indeed, that's the kind of "stimulus" (pun intended) that would 
really help us all get through these hard economic times with a "buzz."

On a less euphoric note, however, the myths and fallacies of "ending 
marijuana prohibition" are many. Here are just two, as outlined by 
the Canadian Police Association:

Myth #1: Legalization will drive the crime rate down.

Myth #2: Organized crime would be reduced if drugs were legalized.

While the proponents of marijuana legalization may consider the above 
mere police propaganda, we must be grateful for sane voices such as 
those of Lois Jackson and Delta police Chief Jim Cessford, 
challenging the Union of B.C. Municipalities to provide us with a 
view of whatever "pot reality" they are coming from.

E.W. Bopp
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom