Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jan 2012
Source: Clearwater Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Clearwater Times
Contact:  http://www.clearwatertimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1448
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n053/a09.html
Author: Wayne Phillips

SOLUTION TO DRUG PROHIBITION AND CORRUPTION

Editor, The Times:

Re: Editorial "Cocaine is a terrible thing" in Jan. 23 issue of the
Times

If the article is implying that there is a direct connection between
income disparity and the instance of Stu Seib in relation to the drug
then "Cocaine is a terrible thing" is grasping at straws.

It's hardly a case of economic disparity when an 18+ year senior staff
sergeant with strong community ties finds himself facing drug related
theft charges. Rather, it is a poignant statement about the
insidiousness of drug prohibition and a compelling example of how
none, regardless of rank or position, are exempt from the inherent
capacity of prohibition to corrupt. Stu Seib, the former commander of
the Clearwater RCMP detachment, is simply the latest high profile
victim of prohibition.

If truth be known, Stu Seib is neither the first, nor will he be the
last; rather, his is the symptomatic indication of the probability of
a problem existing which extends far beyond that of drug related theft
charges. A problem that goes to the heart of the issue itself; it is
that which poses serious questions about the relation of corruption to
prohibition itself. The only question that begs to be asked is, "What
is to be done?"

For members of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP www.leap.cc/
) the relation of corruption to prohibition, as well as the solution,
is a no-brainer.

Wayne Phillips, communication director

Educators For Sensible Drug Policy, Hamilton, ON
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MAP posted-by: Matt