WHY INVITE ANOTHER HIV CRISIS?

There is rich irony in the statement from Canadian Police Association
president Tony Cannavino, when he says the Tories' tough-on-drugs
approach is welcome "because a lot of violence is related to drugs."
The reason there is violence in the illegal drug trade is because
drugs are unlawful property. Police don't protect the ownership of
drugs, so drugs are often stolen from producers and sellers. Further,
because courts don't settle disputes regarding contraband, dealers
can and do resort to violence.

Thus, prohibition artificially raises the level of crime and violence
and artificially increases the need to give more money and power to
those entrusted with maintaining order -- like the police. Mr.
Cannavino's statement is ironic because, contrary to what he seems to
suggest, he in fact welcomes the violence surrounding the drug trade
- -- it means more jobs for members of his union.

Michael Cust

Vancouver.