Pubdate: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 Source: Kamloops This Week (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Kamloops This Week Contact: http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1271 Author: K. Byrnes CRIMINALS LOVE PROHIBITION Editor: I applaud KTW editor Christopher Foulds' column on marijuana. Every time a newspaper or RCMP press release claims that organized-crime groups are making $6 billion or more a year on pot leaves me even more dumbfounded that we continue to waste valuable police and court resources to fight this losing battle. If marijuana was legal, it seems to me the government could take that money and put it to better use than could a gang leader. I think it should be set up like alcohol. You may even find you can grow your own, say 10 plants(similar to brewing your own beer and wine), but you can't sell it. Of course, it's ideal that kids don't drink or do drugs, but Foulds is correct - it is usually easier for kids to get their hands on any drugs than legal booze. It seems like a monumental waste of time, money and resources to fight pot. It seems the only people against legalization are the ones who profit from it being illegal. K. Byrnes Vancouver - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine