Pubdate: Sun, 11 Jan 2009
Source: El Paso Times (TX)
Copyright: 2009 El Paso Times
Contact: http://www.elpasotimes.com/formnewsroom
Website: http://www.elpasotimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/829
Author: Dave Armstrong
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n021.a05.html

O'ROURKE RIGHT ON

Mayor Cook's veto is a perfect example of the archaic views of a
generation that has entrenched us in the never-ending "war on drugs."

History has proven that alcohol has been better served to the public
than kept from the public. Sure, it has not been without collateral
damage from its abuses and misuses. But it has also generated
trillions in tax revenues.

Through many friends in law enforcement and the justice system, I hear
a side that is talking change, change that is needed from overcrowded
courts and jails to overworked officers and agents.

But without a chance to start a dialogue on the issue, we are allowing
the cartels and the war on drugs to continue unchecked on the Mexico
side, and with a blank check on our side - at the taxpayers' expense.

Mr. O'Rourke and council are right on and it showed in their
vote.

Dave Armstrong

Clint
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin