Pubdate: Fri, 08 Feb 2002
Source: Detroit Free Press (MI)
Copyright: 2002 Detroit Free Press
Contact:  http://www.freep.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125
Author: Donna M. Paridee

END WAR ON DRUG USERS

Ordinary Americans are being held at gunpoint, having their property 
confiscated, being incarcerated for nonviolent offenses, and being killed. 
They didn't steal anyone's car. They didn't kill anyone. They didn't rape 
anyone. What they did do was smoke, snort or ingest something into their 
own bodies. That shouldn't be any more a crime than me sitting at the 
kitchen table with a package of Oreos and a gallon of milk.

When will this war end?

Drug users are ordinary Americans. They come in all colors. They are your 
coworkers, neighbors, family members and friends. They should be treated as 
such. We are not criminals.

Donna M. Paridee, NORML of Macomb County, New Baltimore
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D