Pubdate: Mon, 10 May 2004 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Michael Cust Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?216 (CN Police) VIEW CRYSTAL METH SURGE WITH SKEPTICISM I implore the Times Colonist and its readers to approach Victoria's crystal meth "surge" with a skeptical disposition. Here in Edmonton, the city appointed an independent commission to study our problem. Police claims were found to be grossly overblown. Take heed. Remember that police profit from prohibition. All the literature of economics, sociology, political science and history suggests that drug prohibition causes more crime and social strife than it solves. Yet police still demand it. Why? They get to clean up the mess with big budgets and new powers -- and the taxpayer foots the bill. Victoria may or may not be seeing more meth use, but Victoria cops are definitely seeing the prospect of more tax dollars. Michael Cust, Edmonton. - --- MAP posted-by: Thunder