Pubdate: Thu, 27 Nov 2008 Source: Valley Advocate (Easthampton, MA) Copyright: 2008 New Mass Media Contact: http://www.valleyadvocate.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1520 Author: Howard J. Wooldridge Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1026/a08.html THE WAR ON DRUGS: UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES Tom Vannah wrote an excellent analysis regarding the Bay State's new law reducing the penalties for simple possession of marijuana ["The Pot Test," Nov. 13, 2008]. He wondered about why law enforcement and others would spread false information. I suggest he follow the money. My profession, police, knows that without prohibition policies towards some drugs, crime would be cut dramatically, thus reducing the need for detectives and prison guards. Paychecks and overtime are huge incentives for the law enforcement community to resist repealing prohibition laws. Officer Howard J. Wooldridge (retired) Education Specialist, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin