Pubdate: Wed, 01 Jul 2015
Source: Daily Courier (Prescott, AZ)
Copyright: 2015 Prescott Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.dcourier.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4036
Author: Parker Anderson

WAR ON DRUGS

EDITOR:

Marijuana is not harmless. Of course, it isn't. It is sad that its 
proponents claim that it is. Having said that, the question still is, 
should it be illegal?

Have our current harsh laws against marijuana kept even one person 
from trying it who wanted to? Have the laws made it difficult to 
obtain? We spend billions of tax dollars - yes, billions - every year 
sending out the SWAT teams and busting rinky-dink potheads who are 
lighting up in their own homes ... has this had any effect at all on 
consumption and demand in America? Are we winning the War on Drugs?

I submit the answer to all of those questions is NO. In most wars, if 
you are losing, it is decided a different strategy is needed. Not so 
with the War on Drugs, where despite generations of failure and loss, 
we are told we must absolutely stay the course. It was the same with 
alcohol Prohibition - despite the obvious failure of it, there still 
were those who screamed liked banshees when it was repealed.

So, to Sheila Polk and all of those who are fighting so hard to keep 
"the weed" illegal, I am asking outright the questions above. Are we 
winning the War on Drugs? Is this truly a good way to spend tax 
dollars? Straight answers please.

Parker Anderson

Prescott
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom