Pubdate: Mon, 17 Mar 2003
Source: Register-Guard, The (OR)
Copyright: 2003 The Register-Guard
Contact:  http://www.registerguard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/362
Author: Julie Larson

GLASS PIPE ARRESTS ABSURD

I have never smoked or done drugs, but I am angry that taxpayer money is 
being used to arrest those who create and sell pipes used by pot smokers. 
Whether they are "art" is irrelevant. The important questions are: Can 
these pipes be used for any purpose besides an illegal one? And can pot be 
smoked or used without a glass pipe?

When one understands that the answer to both questions is a resounding yes, 
then one can comprehend the absurdity of labeling glass pipe makers and 
dealers criminals. Perhaps we should arrest all match manufacturers and 
sellers too, since pot can't be smoked without lighting it. Since pot can 
be rolled in paper to smoke, perhaps we should also arrest the makers and 
vendors of paper

While we're at it, we should arrest car manufacturers and sellers, since 
cars are used by pot smokers and for other crimes such as hit-and-runs, 
drunken driving and speeding. I could go on and on.

As a free and democratic society, we should not tolerate this dumb-headed 
thinking and witch hunting from those in power. I, for one, protest 
vehemently! Arrest those who actually make, sell and buy illegal drugs if 
you must. Leave the rest of us alone! Otherwise, it is the law enforcement 
officials who are fast becoming the true terrorists.

Julie Larson, Florence
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MAP posted-by: Alex