Pubdate: Mon, 30 Nov 2015
Source: News & Observer (Raleigh, NC)
Copyright: 2015 The News and Observer Publishing Company
Contact: http://www.newsobserver.com/about/newsroom/editor/
Website: http://www.newsobserver.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/304
Author: Gail S. Phares

'WAR ON DRUGS' A WASTE

I agree with Jorge Castaneda's Nov. 12 column "Mexico's marijuana 
legalization could ease drug war." It is time to legalize marijuana 
and end the war on drugs not only in Mexico but here in the United 
States. This terrible war has caused thousands to be killed in 
Mexico, and Mexican society has been ripped apart.

I have visited both Mexico and Colombia as a Witness for Peace. The 
war on drugs has caused extreme pain and suffering in Colombia as 
well as in Mexico. Now over five million Colombians have been 
displaced by the U.S. funded "war on drugs."

The United States has wasted billions of dollars fighting the "war on 
drugs." Here in the U.S., we have jailed well over 500,000 nonviolent 
drug offenders. It is long past time to stop this "war." Let us 
provide drug treatment to all who need it.

The Obama administration has begun the process of releasing 
nonviolent drug offenders. This is a good start. Send these men and 
women home to their families. Let the healing begin. Stop the war on 
drugs now!.

Gail S. Phares

Raleigh
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