Pubdate: Thu, 01 Feb 2007
Source: Valley Advocate (Easthampton, MA)
Copyright: 2007 New Mass Media
Contact:  http://www.valleyadvocate.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1520
Author: Kirk Muse
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

DRUG WAR AN INDUSTRY

I'm writing about Gwynne Dyer's thoughtful column "Cops Against 
Prohibition" (Jan. 11, 2007). Our so-called drug war and our war and 
occupation of Iraq are similar. Both were started with lies and under 
false pretenses. What we have now is an occupation of Iraq. 
Occupations cannot be won. The so-called war on drugs cannot be won. 
Who is going to surrender and sign the peace treaty? The war on drugs 
is an industry and huge bureaucracy. The goal of the drug war is not 
to win, but rather to continue and to expand. The only way to end the 
drug war is to re-legalize the products that are now prohibited and 
sell them in legal, licensed and regulated business establishments 
like we do with the drug alcohol and tobacco products. Those 
benefiting from our drug prohibition policies will do everything in 
their power to make sure this doesn't happen.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman