Pubdate: Sat, 06 Jun 2009
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2009 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n000/a128.html
Author: Mike Garrett

CLEAR-HEADED THINKING ON 'WAR ON DRUGS'

Re: Legalizing and regulating drug use, Opinion June 3

Over the years, I've seen similar calls for treating our drug problems
with intelligence. Unfortunately, I can't see this happening for two
reasons: First, law enforcement in Canada and the U.S. feed off the
illicit drug trade. It has become a business, a source of jobs and
careers. This coupled with government inertia and fear of sensible
change cans any chance of drug reform.

Too many people have too much to lose if you remove the problem.
Better to stick to the status quo and keep up the "good fight." This
way everyone remains in their comfortable pew - the public doesn't
have to think, and the tax coffers open on cue for yet another day of
make work.

Mike Garrett, Toronto
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake