DRUG WAR KEEPS ENFORCERS EMPLOYED

Columnist Jack Spillane asked why law enforcement opposes Question 2
by asking what they are smoking (Sept. 20). As a retired police
officer, I can tell you exactly why they oppose Question 2: Money.

We receive millions of dollars to hire new officers to combat the
crime generated by modern prohibition. We love the overtime to go to
court for pot cases. Sheriffs also like the money from civil asset
forfeiture, as do the district attorneys like Bristol County District
Attorney C. Samuel Sutter. We love the job option of being a narcotics
officer, which also generates generous overtime checks.

Prison guards know that without modern prohibition (the war on drugs)
half will be unemployed. The guards know that ending marijuana
prohibition would be the "gateway" to waking up Massachusetts to
ending all prohibition.

As with most questions in life, Mr. Spillane should follow the
money.

Howard J. Wooldridge

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

Medford