Pubdate: Sat, 17 Feb 2007
Source: Denver Post (CO) 
Copyright: 2007 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Kirk Muse
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07.n162.a02.html

PUNISHING DRUG OFFENDERS

Re: "Reform sentences for drug offenses," Feb. 10 Bob Ewegen column.

Why punish adult citizens for the potential harm they do to
themselves? In a drug transaction, there are willing buyers and
willing sellers. Do we punish sellers or consumers of potentially
unhealthy foods? No.

It seems to me that we should reserve our jails and prisons for those
who intentionally harm others against their will. Not gardeners. Not
people who use, produce or sell "unapproved" substances to willing
buyers. A free country's government cannot protect its adult citizens
from themselves. A free country's government has no right attempting
to do so.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin