Pubdate: Thu, 15 Nov 2007
Source: Tucson Weekly (AZ)
Copyright: 2007 Tucson Weekly
Contact:  http://www.tucsonweekly.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/462
Author: Ralph Givens
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1266/a02.html?98186

THIS IS YOUR MAILBAG ON DRUGS. ANY QUESTIONS?

Mike Carey is correct on one point: An international treaty does 
supersede constitutional rights ("The U.S. Does Have Authority to 
Prohibit Drug Usage, and the People Can't Change That," Mailbag, Nov. 
1). However, the idea that a treaty is carved in stone and cannot be 
amended is an error.

The United States can abandon the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 
treaty anytime it chooses to do so. Moreover, there will be no 
repercussions among other signatories, because the United States has 
been the main promoter of international drug prohibition. Most of the 
countries in Europe would end the drug war in an instant if it were 
not for pressure from the United States.

Furthermore, there is some question of whether a treaty that violates 
the U.S. Constitution is valid.

If America's drug crusade can only be justified with an outmoded, 
Constitution-violating treaty, it is time to end the farce that drug 
laws accomplish anything worthwhile.

Ralph Givens
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom