Pubdate: Fri, 15 Jun 2007
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2007 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Carl Mollins

LEGALIZING DOPE WOULD HELP

Re: Rivals are poised to fill the power vacuum Column, June 14

The signs that others are ready to restore gangland commerce in drugs 
and competition by gunplay tends to render the latest police cleanup 
raids fruitless in the long run. Surely our governments could learn 
from history how to combat gang warfare more effectively.

Repealing the laws that banned the sale of beer and booze in Ontario 
in 1927 after 10 years of Prohibition, and in the U.S. in 1933 after 
13 years, undercut Mob commerce and combat. Ontario society also 
gained by controlling and taxing liquor, and enforcing moderation in 
public and on streets and highways.

So why not legalize dope and invoke similar restraints on its use? 
Marijuana already is cited as a helpful treatment for some ailments. 
Ending its outright public prohibition would surely strike a blow 
against the gunners in gangs.

Carl Mollins,

Toronto
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