Pubdate: Sat, 21 Apr 2001
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2001 Cox Interactive Media.
Section: Saturday Talk
Contact:  http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Stephen Keith

SELECTIVE DRUG WAR CALLS FOR SCRUTINY

I am grateful for the powerful conversation about drugs arising out of
the recent tragic deaths of the policewoman and the alleged drug dealer.
It seems to me that we are witnessing our addicted selves, whether it's
tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, uppers, cocaine, morphine-like pain killers,
aggressive driving, money, etc., and re-evaluating the impact. But isn't
it terribly hypocritical that we allow alcohol and tobacco free rein,
but have a war on other drugs? Allow amphetamines for some but not
others?

How many tax dollars are spent on the war on drugs? What has happened in
countries such as the Netherlands, where some of these other drugs are
legal? I challenge the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to take this
conversation to another level.

Stephen Keith, Atlanta
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