WHILE WE REMEMBER, LETS END ANOTHER WAR, THE WAR ON DRUGS

Today we remember those who have been lost in war, and give thanks to
those who served our country to protect our way of life. We do this to
honour their sacrifice and bravery and not to glorify war. The loudest
cries denouncing the horror, the waste and the stupidity of war have
always come from the veterans themselves.

Now the soldiers of another war -- the War on Drugs -- are raising their
voices in opposition to that conflict so foolishly being waged by
politicians. Current and former police officers keep emerging to say
that just like with other wars, the War on Drugs is producing millions
of mostly young victims, causing terrible violence and is costing us
billions.

Neill Franklin, a retired narcotics officer from Baltimore, Md. who
now heads Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, told The Province
editorial board yesterday that the criminalization of drugs -- in B.C.
the illegal, gang-run trade in pot -- is the direct cause of most
murders, the useless incarceration of non-violent people and, most
key, just doesn't work.

He supports Stop the Violence B.C., a coalition of law enforcement,
health and academic experts who are lobbying politicians to legalize
marijuana to reduce the gang violence that plagues our communities.
Polls show that only 12 per cent of British Columbians support current
marijuana laws. It's time for politicians to listen to experts, hear
from voters and show some courage.