MONEY IS WASTED

Thanks to Kirk Muse for his Dec. 27 letter titled, "Busts won't slow drug
trade," in which he points out that money is being sucked from your pockets
and mine in an effort to make us think something is being done about drug use.

Not only are law enforcement's so-called "busts" a waste, but the prison
system has become a profitable industry. Money is made on merchandise, food
and telephone calls; the prison system could be a complete section of the
paper, if someone wanted to print what is going on there, at your expense
and mine.

Sure drugs kill; in the 20th century, the legal recreational drugs -
tobacco and alcohol - have killed more people than all wars. Food kills;
obesity is the number three public health problem and inching its way up.

Marijuana killed no one. Marijuana was made illegal for economic reasons;
it is the illegality of marijuana that is costing a fortune without having
any effect on the use. I am angry about having my money stolen by the
system. Think what that money would mean to schools or health care for
children.

Iva Oshaunesy

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