Pubdate: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 Source: Rock River Times (IL) Copyright: The Rock River Times 2001 Contact: http://www.rockrivertimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/539 Author: Dan Litwin Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1874/a11.html MORE REASONS TO END PROHIBITION Dear Editor: Kirk Muse (letters) asks politicians and other drug warriors the question: "Do you support drug prohibition because it finances criminals at home or because it finances terrorists abroad?" Nicely put. But let's add to the list. Perhaps you support drug prohibition because it also: guarantees payola for corrupt police, border guards and politicians; justifies further eroding the Bill of Rights (especially limits on search & seizure); makes drugs available to minors (gangs don't check ID); tempts inner-city youth into a life of violence (running drug $); and keeps medical marijuana from helping cancer and AIDS patients. I could go on and on. If people hurt themselves, it's no excuse to hurt everyone else. No matter how bad drugs are, prohibition has proven far worse. It's past time to stop the denial. Prohibition is suicidal policy. Dan Litwin San Diego, Calif. - --- MAP posted-by: GD