Pubdate: Wed, 05 Oct 2011
Source: Gisborne Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2011 The Gisborne Herald Co. Ltd
Contact: http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/Contact/
Website: http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/924
Author: Martin Hanson

PROHIBITION DOESN'T WORK

Mark Twain is reputed to have said: "History doesn't repeat itself, 
but it does rhyme." With respect to the legislation on cannabis, 
history is coming eerily close to outright repetition.

In the United States, an attempt was made early last century to curb 
alcohol consumption by prohibiting its production, sale and 
distribution. The effect was a massive upsurge in organised crime and 
violence, with little effect on consumption. After more than a decade 
of this stupidity, Prohibition was discontinued.

One would like to think that our politicians had read some history, 
but it appears most have not. We are making the same mistake with cannabis.

Martin Hanson
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