Pubdate: Fri, 16 Mar 2007
Source: AM New York (NY)
Email:  http://www.amny.com
Address: Letters Editor, am New York, 330 W. 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
Copyright: 2007 AM New York
Author:  Larry Penner
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

FAILED DRUG WAR

A March 14 letter to the editor by Anthony Papa 'Failed U.S. Drug 
Policy' was health food for the mind. Consider that recreational or 
medical use of marijuana is now part of mainstream America, bridging 
many generations.

Despite wasting billions of dollars, government attempts at stopping 
production, distribution and consumption has been a total failure. 
What consenting adults consume, inhale, perform, read or view in the 
privacy of their own home or private social club isn't the concern of 
government.

Individual economic and civil liberties prosper best when government 
stays out of both the bedroom and marketplace.

The free market place, be it legal or underground, will continue 
providing what ever products citizens desire regardless of government 
approval. Consumers have voted with their dollars, making the 
marijuana industry a multibillion-dollar enterprise today!

Take it out of the hands of organized crime by legalization. Impose a 
sales tax on all transactions. Revenues generated will more than 
cover the costs for medical abuse. Police will be free to go after 
those who commit real crimes against individuals and property.

- --Larry Penner

Great Neck
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman