Pubdate: Mon, 04 Feb 2002
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: John Wright

POT BUSTS A WASTE OF MONEY

It always saddens me when I see these highly publicized marijuana
busts (Sweep nets 20 marijuana-growing operations, Jan. 31).  I don't
smoke it and couldn't care less about it and that goes for the
majority of Canadians.  That's why the courts don't care and why
people don't see jail time.

What saddens me is the millions wasted on the "war on drugs" could be
spent fighting crime Canadians do care about or be directed at our
numerous financial problems.

Prohibition doesn't work.  It is just a massive drain on the public
purse. The artificial value of marijuana, for instance, simply
finances the worst elements of our society and the world's, like
organized crime and terrorism.  Like it says on those ING commercials,
"Save your money!" Legalize marijuana, regulate it, tax it and let's
get on with important issues.

JOHN WRIGHT
Richmond
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MAP posted-by: manny lovitto