Pubdate: Mon, 29 Sep 2003
Source: Reporter, The (Fond du Lac, WI)
Copyright: 2003 Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.wisinfo.com/thereporter/index.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2271
Authors: Alan Randell, and Eleanor Randell

CANADIANS PUSH TO END DRUG PROHIBITION

Regarding the North Fond du Lac meth lab threat story, why on earth do you 
support a ridiculous program like drug prohibition?

Drug prohibition has nothing to do with protecting users from the effects 
of harmful drugs. It was initiated at the beginning of the 20th century to 
protect virtuous, white, Christian women from the seductive wiles of blacks 
(marijuana), Mexicans (marijuana) and Chinese (opium), and in these 
supposedly more tolerant times, the police are happy to make use of this 
evil law to harass and control all those whose lifestyle and/or skin color 
offends them.

Let's get a few things straight about drugs.

First, no government has the right to punish anyone for ingesting anything, 
however harmful.

Second, the consequences of prohibition are worse than anything that 
preceded it: More user deaths because of adulterated drugs, much more 
crime, explosions and fires in illegal drug labs, electricity thefts, 
accelerated spread of infectious diseases, skyrocketing law enforcement 
costs, police corruption, disrespect for the law, easier access for 
children (because drugs are often sold at school by classmates), more 
difficult for parents and children to communicate honestly about drugs, etc.

Third, some say the state has the right to ban harmful drugs, but even if 
that were true, our drug laws still make no sense because two of our more 
harmful recreational drugs, alcohol and tobacco, are not banned and 
marijuana is banned even though it is less harmful than either.

No, the purpose of drug prohibition remains as it was a century ago: To 
distract and entertain the majority by persecuting an innocent minority.

Yes, it's true. The terrorists hate you because of your freedoms.

Alan and Eleanor Randell

Victoria, British Columbia
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom