Pubdate: Tue, 01 May 2001
Source: Langley Advance (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.langleyadvance.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1248
Author: Chris Buors

DRUG WAR POINTLESS

Dear Editor,

You are quite correct in your assessment of damage done by Crusaders,
Inquisitors, and Nazis [Tokers stoked, April 13, Feature Letter,
Advance News].

However, all scapegoat persecutions are based on the "St. George out
to slay mythical dragons" model. All have the characteristics of
demonizing the enemy, pass the enabling legislation, then whatever
noble cause goes on to cause more harm than good.

Globally, there are many countries that line "drug dealers" and users
up against the wall and shoot them. Over 80 people die every day in
Colombia alone at the altar of drug prohibition.

So I do not think the green stuff has clouded my judgment; I think I
have a better understanding of the issue and the vision to make the
historical comparisons.

The drug war is a holy war on satanic chemicals. Chemicals we label as
drugs are inanimate objects and are therefore dangerous to no one.
"Dangerous drugs" is a political designation.

Think about lime, bleach, and diesel fuel and nitrogen fertilizer for
dangerous chemical comparisons.

One more historical comparison if I could. Canada has, following the
lead of Americans, just introduced "drug courts." Those arrested will
be offered a choice: take treatment or go to jail.

I don't know about you, but that seems eerily similar to "convert or
burn at the stake."

This exposes the ugliest aspect of the war on some drugs. In order for
the state to control what substance a man may put in his body, the
state must also control what ideas a man may put in his head.
Ceremonial drug use is as old as mankind itself. It is an amoral idea
to try and stamp it out.

Chris Buors
Winnipeg
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MAP posted-by: Andrew