Pubdate: Sat, 18 Mar 2006
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 The Edmonton Journal
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n322/a06.html
Author: Gillian Maxwell

DRUG CRACKDOWN

Re: "Washington wants crackdown on drugs," The Journal, March 15.

Canadians should be incensed that the U.S. government is pointing
fingers at us and other countries to impart blame for its drug
problems. The spread of disease, death, violence and organized crime
is a consequence of prohibitionist drug policies that the U.S.
government strong-armed other countries into adopting.

And while it unilaterally ignores other international treaties, the
U.S. is first to bleat that drug-control treaties prevent sovereign
nations such as Canada from moving towards saner drug policies to
protect public health and safety.

Mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes have led to the world's
largest prison population in the so-called "land of the free."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper must show some leadership and not be led
further down the ideological path of failed drug policies.

GILLIAN MAXWELL

Chair

Keeping the Door Open: Dialogues on Drug Use

Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPF Florida)